The Durham Digest
Breastfeed Durham
Mid-April 2024

As we step into the heart of April, Breastfeed Durham reflects on the incredible energy and insights gathered from last week's Black Maternal Health Week celebrations. These pivotal event united our Durham community in support and advocacy. It also highlighted the critical importance of addressing the disparities faced by Black mothers and infants. In North Carolina, while we are making strides, Black mothers still face significant barriers, with only 70.1% initiating breastfeeding compared to 83.7% of white mothers. Events like these are crucial in our ongoing journey to close this gap and ensure equitable health outcomes for all.

The momentum doesn't stop here. The remainder of April and the upcoming months are brimming with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate.

 

 

As we navigate through the Minority Health Month events and initiatives, we're reminded of the power of community action, education, and advocacy in shaping a healthier, more inclusive Durham. Join us in these celebrations and conversations, as we work together to make every family's health and well-being a priority.

Calling All Perinatal Organizations Registration Closes Soon

The Queer Family Planning Festival Committee is excited to welcome applications from vendors, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers for our inclusive celebration. Registration closes April 18th. Join us in creating a space of support, learning, and joy. Sign up today!

Save the Date
April 18 | 12 – 1pm
NCBC Black & Brown Perinatal Support Providers
NCBC Black & Brown Perinatal Support Providers
In recognition of Minority Health Month this April, the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition (NCBC) is spotlighting Black, Brown, and BIPOC perinatal professionals across our state in a special edition meeting! This is a unique opportunity for prenatal support providers, whether you’re a professional or offering peer support, doulas, and anyone involved in lactation support, to share your resources and experiences.
Event Registration
April 20 | 9 – 4pm
2nd Annual Embrace Retreat
2nd Annual Embrace Retreat
Join our neighbors in Chatham County for a day dedicated to birth equity and reproductive justice. This inspiring event features workshops, panel discussions, and activities designed to empower and connect those passionate about improving outcomes for birthing people and babies.
Event Registration
April 30, 2024
2nd Annual Black Maternal & Infant Health Conference
2nd Annual Black Maternal & Infant Health Conference
The Black Pearls Society warmly invites you to their annual conference series that is dedicated to nurturing the well-being of Black mothers and infants. This conference amplifies the voices of Black women, birthing individuals, families, and local advocates, aiming to deepen awareness of maternal and infant health challenges in the Black community. The conference will feature impactful speakers, healthcare professionals, and advocates dedicated to tackling the ongoing crisis of Black maternal mortality.
Register
May 7 | 7pm
Listening Session: WIC Program in Durham
Listening Session: WIC Program in Durham
Breastfeed Durham, in partnership with MAAME, Inc. Lactation Clinic, invites you to a special Listening Session focused on the WIC Program in Durham. We’re gathering both providers and parents, along with anyone in the community, to share experiences, challenges, and successes related to working with the WIC office.
Event Link
May 9 | 4:30-7:30pm
Breastfeeding Family Photo Event
Breastfeeding Family Photo Event
Breastfeed Durham in partnership with North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition invites you to a special family photo event.
Register
May 10 | 1pm
FCR Family Fun Day
FCR Family Fun Day
FCR's Family Fun Day is all about celebrating wonderful families, the importance of education, and raising awareness of the valuable services available within our community. Designed with families and community members in mind, this day is sure to offer a host of engaging activities for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, share in the joy of our community, and make meaningful connections.
Event Link
May 18 | 2 – 5pm
Queer Family Planning Health Fair
Queer Family Planning Health Fair
Breastfeed Durham's 2024 Queer Family Planning Health Fair will be on Saturday, May 18th! The health fair aims to educate and support LGBTQ+ family planning and human milk feeding.
Event Link
2024 Breastfeed Durham Series
Equity in Infant Feeding and Family Health: A Provider's Guide
June 11 | 6:30-8pm
Equity in Infant Feeding and Family Health: Nutrition in the First 1000 Days
Launching the 2024 Breastfeed Durham First Food Equity Series, a transformative webinar designed for healthcare professionals. Dive deep with Dr. Melissa Kay and Ms. Maya Jackson into the significance of nutrition from pregnancy through a child's early years, and how it lays the foundation for lifelong health and development. Discover innovative strategies and gain essential knowledge to enhance your lactation support services, promoting First Food Equity and supporting families in fostering a nurturing environment for infant feeding as a crucial social construct. Register now to be a part of this pivotal journey in healthcare excellence.
Register

August 6, 2024:

"Bridging Gaps from Birth to Breast: Special Edition”

October 8, 2024

 "Lactation in Diverse Families: from Queer Families to Accessibility

December 10, 2024

"Perinatal Mood Support and Lactation"

Stay aBreast
Breastfeeding Welcome Signs: A Bold Step Towards Inclusivity in Durham
Last week Breastfeed Durham met with the Durham Art’s Council and Durham Parts and Rec. And we have now been given authorization to order 40 Breastfeeding welcome here signs for Durham Parks! For those interested in supporting this impactful initiative and owning a piece of its inspiring message, art from the “Breastfeeding Welcome Signs” project can be purchased at the Breastfeeding Communities Shop. Thanks to the generosity of Durham Parks and Rec and Durham County Commissioners, we still have additional funds available for more art installations. Please send us your ideas.…
Read more...
 

Check out our Job Opportunities page for updated job postings! 

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Lincoln Community Health Center, Inc., a federally qualified community health center located in Durham, NC is recruiting for a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor/Processing Assistant. The Peer Counselor will provide basic breastfeeding information, encouragement and support to WIC participants and perform within the Peer Counselor Scope of Practice while following the WIC Program policies and procedures. 

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Lincoln Community Health Center, Inc., a federally qualified community health center located in Durham, NC is recruiting for a WIC Nutritionist. The WIC Nutritionist will assess nutrition needs and provide nutrition services for women, infants and children who are enrolled in the WIC Program at Lincoln Community Health Center and satellite clinics. 

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Piedmont Health Services, Inc. is recruiting for a WIC Assistant Manager in Carrboro, NC. The WIC Assistant Manager will help support a team of WIC Nutritionist, Administrative Assistants and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, who collectively serve as the primary source of nutrition and lactation support to a vibrant and diverse local community.  The WIC Assistant Manager is accountable for the day-to-day administrative operations of the Piedmont Health Services (PHS) WIC Program. 

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Wake County is currently recruiting for a full time WIC Nutritionist (Registered Dietitian) that will serve Prenatal Clinic clients. The WIC Nutritionist identifies nutrition risks, provides nutrition counseling, and completes food prescriptions for WIC program participants- works closely with other program employees, including nutrition, breastfeeding, laboratory team members, and client services coordinators to ensure WIC services are effectively provided. 

Learn More
Thank you to our financial partners!
Thank you to our financial partners!
This newsletter was made possible with the financial contributions of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, Durham County Office of the County Manager, Durham County Department of Public Health as part of the Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health Grant, and donors like you.
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