Sometimes you gotta take a step back and celebrate the wins! And today, we’re here to share some good news. We have just met the requirements of Step 4 in the Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community.
Step 4 – So, what’s this Step 4?
Well, it’s all about making sure families in the Durham community are aware of the benefits of chest/breastfeeding. Not just the benefits, y’all, but the risks of diving straight into formula without information. Plus, we’re making sure families know where to go for the support they need. Information is power, and we’re handin’ it out like Bernadette special green bean casserole.
The Journey – Real Talk
This journey has been more like a marathon than a sprint. It’s been a long, hard road, and let me tell you, the Durham County Department of Public Health and us? We’ve had our moments. But look, families and communities grow stronger through trials, not ease. So, we’re celebrating that we’ve come together to make this happen! We gotta give credit where credit is due. The Durham County Department of Public Health has put their hand in the work, and they’ve done it for the community, for our kids, and for parents like us at Breastfeed Durham.🤝🏾
A Quick Recap of Our Journey
Step 1 – Policy📜
Our elected folks came through with that written proclamation supporting breastfeeding. That is the foundation, the base coat before you slap on that fabulous color. So we’re standing on solid ground here.
Step 2 – Open Arms, Open Hearts ❤️
We’re making progress on creating a community Celebrate everyone. Look for the gala in spring.
Step 3 – Baby’s First Year is Key 🗝️
Our healthcare leadership is on board with early and exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months? Keep it going for at least TWO years. We’ve passed this step, and now we’re passing on that wisdom and support..
Step 4 – Education for Expecting Families 📚
That’s today’s headliner! We moved from progress to a full-on pass. That’s what I call growth!
- Healthcare Provider Trainings: Making sure our health experts are fully equipped to support breastfeeding.
- Community Workshops: These workshops are designed to further support breastfeeding initiation and continuation.
- Educational Events: With Cultural and linguistic inclusivity, we’re making sure our message reaches all corners of our diverse community.
- Community Action Team: Ensuring our vision aligns with broader community initiatives.
- Newsletters: Expect at least 6 new editions of the Breastfeed Durham newsletter, chock-full of all the updates, tips, and community stories you’ve come to love!
- The Boots on the Ground: Our community health workers have been out there, serving the community!
- Resources Galore!: From creating and expanding coalitions aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, Black community, Asian and Pacific Islanders, to our Spanish speaking families—Breastfeed Durham is all about that inclusivity. In 2023 alone, we’ve distributed 6,000 resource cards, y’all!
Step 5 – Healthcare Buddies 🏥
We’re making strides in making sure healthcare in Durham is breastfeeding-friendly. This year Duke Regional. Next big Duke. They’re getting with the program, and that’s progress!
Step 6 – The Village 🤝🏾
Community lactation support, breastfeeding support groups and services? Pass! ‘Cause it takes a village, and Durham is showing up.
Step 7 – Businesses & Social Orgs 💼
These folks are getting better at rolling out the welcome mat for our breastfeeding families. We’re making progress. Over 40 businesses came on board this year!
Step 8 – No Shady Marketing 🚫
Local businesses and healthcare clinics are working on following the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes. We’re moving up!
Step 9 – Business Case for Breastfeeding 📊
The Chamber of Commerce is sharing the toolkit, and we’ve already passed this step. Don’t underestimate the power of economics!
Step 10 – School Days 🏫
Breastfeeding-friendly curricula in education systems are in the works. We’re setting up the next generation!
Baby Steps to Giant Leaps 🚀
I’m talking about a journey that started with just launching our own website in 2020. Fast forward to 2023, our newsletter subscriptions started from a humble 120 subscribers and now we’re booming with over 1,200. That’s a lotta love! 💖💌
A Shoutout to Our Backbone 🙌🏾
Let’s not forget that none of this would be possible without that beautiful, resilient backbone of our initiative—Bernadette Greene. Thank you for steering this ship and for keeping it afloat.
Reflect and Revamp for 2023 and Beyond 🌟
Each new year brings opportunities to reflect and fine-tune. The past 5 years have been hard, and we adapted, survived, and thrived. We’ve had changes in leadership, faced a pandemic, and even dealt with funding hoops.
So let’s raise a glass or breasts or whatever your sippin’ on—water, tea, or a mimosa—and toast to how far we’ve come and the exciting road that lies ahead!
Cheers, Durham! 🥂✨
