As spring turns to summer, this newsletter is a guide to engage with the past, present, and future of lactation in Durham. With an array of events, workshops, and support groups on the horizon, we invite you to join us in celebrating the diversity and resilience of our community.

 Breastfeed Durham embraces the spirit of Women’s History Month with a special focus on the rich history of lactation in Durham, North Carolina. This March, we take a moment to reflect on the complex layers of our local lactation history, recognizing the profound strides women have made across generations, and the continuous evolution of lactation practices that shape our community today. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where every lactation journey is embraced and valued, paving the way for a future where inclusivity and support in lactation care are paramount.

The narrative of lactation in Durham is deeply intertwined with the city's own history, marked by resilience, empowerment, and a striving for equity. From the shadowed legacy of Black wet nurses at Historic Stagville to the empowerment of lactation as a form of resistance and autonomy, our community's story is one of strength and determination. With the support of our community partners, Breastfeed Durham is committed to addressing the racial disparities and systemic barriers that still impact lactation practices today, advocating for equitable support for all families.

Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive, supported, and connected lactation community in Durham.Thank you for being an integral part of Breastfeed Durham. Your commitment to supporting lactating families makes a world of difference, one lactation journey at a time. Join us this March, and beyond, as we honor the history, embrace the present, and forge a brighter future for lactation in Durham.

Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive, supported, and connected lactation community in Durham.Thank you for being an integral part of Breastfeed Durham. Your commitment to supporting lactating families makes a world of difference, one lactation journey at a time. Join us this March, and beyond, as we honor the history, embrace the present, and forge a brighter future for lactation in Durham.

In this issue, we're diving into advocacy items that need your attention and sharing recent evidence-based resources for our community. 

Take Action in Support of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee urges individuals to use the "Moms Need Action: Pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus" action tool to contact their Senators and Representative. The U.S. is facing a maternal health crisis and communities of color disproportionately bear the burden of systemic failures that contribute to preventable maternal deaths. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus is a robust package that includes thirteen bills addressing the drivers of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States, including barriers to breastfeeding. Individuals can use the tool to call on their members of Congress to take action to end this crisis by passing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus.

WHO & HRP Journal Series on Positive Postnatal Care Experience

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Special Programme on Human Reproduction (HRP) launched "WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience," a new series on positive postnatal care experiences in BMJ Global Health. The series is complemented by a series of advocacy and policy briefs and includes papers exploring factors that influence the uptake of postnatal care, including breastfeeding support, and the experiences of women, families, and health workers.

AAP Breastfeeding Curriculum 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a Breastfeeding Curriculum that was originally developed for trainees (residents and medical students), but can be used by all! It is a great way to pull info and pre-made slides if you are giving a talk in your area. This curriculum was developed to help all residents develop confidence and skills in breastfeeding care. Presentations, videos, case studies and other resources can be incorporated into existing residency or fellowship program curricula. If you scroll all the way down on the page, you can see Breastfeeding Curriculum Resources which will show a listing of all the topics.