The Durham Digest
Breastfeed Durham
September 2024

As National Breastfeeding Month comes to a close, we're excited to join the global celebration of "Policy to Practice: Making Lactation Support a Reality."

Our very own Love Anderson was honored to be invited to participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement and the Gender Policy Council in Washington, DC. Discussion focused on two critical pieces of legislation: the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). 

This experience underscored the commitment to advancing workplace practices and the importance of continued advocacy for lactation support. Not only did it reinforce the crucial role of continued advocacy for comprehensive lactation support, but it was also a powerful reminder of the positive impact that thoughtful, inclusive policies can have on both employees and organizations.

At Breastfeed Durham, we’re celebrating the 200 local businesses that are putting these policies into practice every day. Over the last month, we’ve had the pleasure of accrediting several new businesses that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting breastfeeding families: Purpose Learning Lab, Want to be Well Doula Services, Jireh Family Farm, Ordinary Just Won’t Du, The ZEN Succulent, Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast, Little Homestead Farm Natural Bath & Body, Rooted Nutrition and Lactation, LLC, Queeny's, Restructure The Mind, An Out of the Box Experience, Radical Healing Collaborative, and Self Help Credit Union. 

The  businesses listed here have been formally recognized for their support of breastfeeding families. Welcoming breastfeeding families is part of making breastfeeding the norm in our community. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Durham business for all that they do to support breastfeeding in our community. 

If you would like to learn more about how to become breastfeeding friendly, please reach out. We would be happy to help you work on ways to improve your environment, practices, and policies to better support breastfeeding employees and community members. 

Breastfeeding-Friendly Community Partners are businesses or organizations that welcome breastfeeding families. Breastfeeding-Friendly Employers are workplaces that have made accommodations to support breastfeeding employees. Apply today to receive a Breastfeeding Friendly Award. 
Apply Today
Save the Date
September 12 | 6pm
Bloom Documentary Film Screening
Bloom Documentary Film Screening
Join March of Dimes for a special one-night-only screening of Bloom at UNC-Chapel Hill, followed by a post-film Q&A with Venus Standard, ShLanda Burton, and the filmmakers. Bloom is a feature-length documentary that delves into the vital work doulas are doing to bridge gaps in the medical system. Doulas partner with expectant parents to help them advocate for themselves during pregnancy and birth, offering essential support that can safeguard against trauma and even save lives—particularly for BIPOC birthing parents.
Register Now
September 14 | 10-3pm
H.E.A.R.T.S. BlessFest Community Day Event
H.E.A.R.T.S. BlessFest Community Day Event
BlessFest is H.E.A.R.T.S. opportunity to give from their overflow of baby supplies to the community! With help from @summitddc, they also will have The Blood Connection Bus where you can donate blood, food by @mellowdogs_, a fun kids corner, @durhamcityfire & much more!
Event Details
September 21 | 3-6pm
Freedom in the Park
Freedom in the Park
Join Emancipate NC for Freedom in the Park. They welcome ALL to come together for a day of fun and celebration at Forest Hills Park. Get ready for music, delicious food, exciting games, and more... So please bring your friends and family for a fantastic time outdoors and come connect with the community. Tickets are FREE.
RSVP Today
September 24 | 5:30pm
Durham Story Circle
Durham Story Circle
Durham Story Circles provide a space for people to come together and share their experiences. Being a patient or birth worker – especially if you experience disrespect at the clinic or the hospital -- can feel isolating; but Story Circles allow you to share your stories. An upcoming Story Circle will be held on Tuesday 9/24 at 5:30 PM at the Durham South Regional Library. All individual participants will be compensated with a $100 gift card for their time, with dinner and childcare provided.
Register Now
Stay aBreast
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, Beyond Birth Lactation Services, and donors like you.
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Breastfeed Durham has received 2 years of conditional funding for Bernadette Greene to continue to serve in the role of Executive Director. The funding is conditional on Breastfeed Durham finding matching funds from other sources.
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Acceptance of paid advertisements does not constitute Breastfeed Durham endorsement of the product or service advertised. Breastfeed Durham does not require advertisers to carry product liability insurance. To place an ad, please contact Breastfeed Durham by email or by phone 919-622-8787.
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