In celebrating Black History Month at Breastfeed Durham, we honor the invaluable contributions of the Black Community to the fields of lactation and birthing equity. Rooted in resilience and empowerment, the wisdom and care of Black individuals has sustained generations of birthing and lactating parents. We amplify and honor the voices of Black lactation consultants, doulas, and healthcare professionals, acknowledging their critical role in advancing health equity and dismantling the barriers to breastfeeding support and maternal care that Black women disproportionately face. In this respect, we encourage advocates, parents, healthcare professionals, and community partners who are passionate about supporting and celebrating the importance of Black breastfeeding to attend our upcoming Black Breastfeeding Coalition meeting. 

February ushers in our annual highlight, the Breastfeed Durham Gala and Silent Auction (start bidding today)! The essence of our silent auction and gala transcends the mere act of fundraising; it’s about knitting a safety net for the most vulnerable among us. The proceeds from this event are earmarked for a purpose that touches the core of our mission: providing essential support to low-income families with premature babies through the purchase of breast pumps.

Join us at our upcoming fundraiser event on February 24, 4-9 PM. This is not just an event, but a celebration of our collective achievements and an opportunity to strengthen our community bonds.

Free Workshop and Networking | 4-6 PM
Witness the unveiling of newly developed artwork set to enhance the beauty of Durham parks, a free changemaker workshop, and networking with the Durham community. 

Breastfeed Durham Gala | 6-9 PM 
This gala is not just a fundraiser, it's a tribute to the community's efforts. All proceeds will go towards building Breastfeed Durham's Lactation Fund, which will support and assist lactating families in need.

We also extend an invitation to organizations interested in sponsoring this meaningful event. Your support can amplify our efforts and help us reach greater heights in advocating for lactating parents and their infants.

For our community partners, this is your moment to shine! We encourage you to send in your auction and signature items today. Your contributions are not just items; they are symbols of unity and support within our community. 

See all of the current selections available through our silent auction event, showcasing an array of unique items and experiences to bid on, with all proceeds going towards enhancing support services in the Durham area.

Breastfeed Durham hosted a virtual First Food Equity Series for providers in Durham County and the surrounding areas on the second Tuesday of each month between October 2022 - May 2023. We are excited to announce that these webinars are now LIVE on our website for our community to refer to at any time! We’ll be featuring each of our First Food Equity Webinars in our monthly newsletter. This month, delve into the last webinar of the series where we explored the vital concept of first food equity with Janiya Mitnaul Williams!

In this issue, we're diving into essential guidance and recent changes that are empowering for nursing parents—yet surprisingly underdiscussed in healthcare circles. First, we share practical tips on how to effectively pump your milk, a cornerstone practice for many that bridges the gap between necessity and convenience. Then, we spotlight a pivotal shift in legislation through the updated Pump Act, revealing how it reshapes the landscape of parental rights and support at work. Equally important, we're calling on healthcare providers to step up their game. Our conversations have unveiled a startling truth: a significant number of professionals are not yet informed about these critical changes. This gap in knowledge can lead to missed opportunities for parents to fully embrace and benefit from their rights and available resources.