The Durham Digest
Breastfeed Durham
October 2024

The devastation facing western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene is truly unimaginable. As we witness the impact of this catastrophe unfold, our hearts and thoughts are firmly with the people, families, and communities affected. Many of our community members in Durham may have loved ones out west who may be feeling the effects of this tragedy. In the spirit of support and solidarity, we want to share resources that can help those in need during this challenging time. MomsRising has put together a phenomenal list of resources that we want to share here: Hurricane Helene: Resources for NC Families. From information on shelter and supplies to infant feeding during emergencies and applying for FEMA assistance, this resource is comprehensive. Help us spread the word and get these resources into the hands of people who need them! 

In the same spirit, we'd like to share an emergency preparedness refresher on infant feeding policies and practices in emergencies.

Our hearts ache for our friends in Western NC who are struggling after Hurricane Helene. Please donate to the NCBC support fund to support the lactation professionals on the ground or click here if you are a lactation professional in need of assistance. In collaboration with lactation support providers across the state our friends at MAAME are collecting infant feeding in emergency supplies.
Save the Date
October 3 | 6pm
Doula Recruitment Webinar
Doula Recruitment Webinar
To spread the word about the new Wake County Doula Services Program, ICO4MCH is hosting a webinar "Birthing Together," aimed at recruiting dedicated doulas who share our mission of improving birth outcomes.
Register Now
October 5 | 2-4pm
North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition Meeting
North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition Meeting
NCBC is holding an in-person round robin meeting on Saturday 10/5 from 2-4pm in Durham. We're excited to see everyone for our FIRST in person meeting since COVID-19!
RSVP Today
October 8 | 6:30-8pm
Equity in Infant Feeding and Family Health: Lactation in Diverse Families: Chestfeeding, Queer Families, Accessibility
Equity in Infant Feeding and Family Health: Lactation in Diverse Families: Chestfeeding, Queer Families, Accessibility
This session delves into the unique challenges and opportunities associated with lactation in diverse family structures, including chestfeeding, queer families, and those with accessibility needs.
Register Now
October 21 | 7pm
Ready, Set, Daddy!
Ready, Set, Daddy!
Looking for an exciting way to enjoy Monday Night Football while supporting an amazing cause? Join us at Carolina Ale House for a fun-filled evening that combines football, family, and community learning! Hosted by Breastfeed Durham, this event is designed to promote optimal infant feeding practices and celebrate family support for breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human milk feeding. Enter to win a Daddy Diaper Bag packed with essentials for your newborn and partner!
Register Now
November 6 | 8-4pm
34th Annual Art of Breastfeeding Conference
34th Annual Art of Breastfeeding Conference
This one-day conference in Raleigh focuses on the essential role of prenatal education on breastfeeding success, provides updates to the Ready, Set, Baby program, and shares strategies for managing food sensitivities and breastfeeding.
Register Now
Stay aBreast
Support Circle for Latina Families
Support Circle for Latina Families
Please help us spread the word about "Un Día a la Vez" – a Community Support Circle for Latina families expecting a baby or currently breastfeeding.

October 4
October 18

This group provides a space to ask questions about breastfeeding, postpartum care, and finding support. Snacks and resources will be available.

Dr. Aunchalee E.L. Palmquist, PhD, MA, IBCLC, Associate Professor of the Practice of Global Health and Cultural Anthropology and Director of Graduate Studies at Duke Global Health Institute, is hiring two bilingual (English-Spanish) breastfeeding peer counselors from the Greensboro area who identify with Spanish-speaking immigrant and refugee families. This is for a new NIH-funded study aimed at increasing exclusive breastfeeding and reducing infants’ risk of overweight and metabolic disorders.

Selected candidates will receive funding for the Alimentación Segura Infantil online peer counseling training (in Spanish), along with in-person mentorship and practical experience in North Carolina. The part-time position (~20 hours per week) comes with a salary. If you are Latine, bilingual, passionate about maternal and child health, and have breastfed a baby, please contact Dr. Aunchalee Palmquist at a.palmquist@duke.edu.

Additionally, the study team is creating a roster of bilingual (Spanish-English) IBCLCs for family referrals. They have stipends available for a limited number of IBCLC consultations. If you are interested in being included, please reach out to Dr. Aunchalee Palmquist at a.palmquist@duke.edu. 
Learn More
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, Carolina Birth & Wellness, 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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