The Durham Digest
Breastfeed Durham
April 2025

April is a powerful month for recognizing the ongoing journey toward health equity, particularly for minority communities. As we observe both Minority Health Month and Black Maternal Health Week, we reflect on the critical importance of equitable health and lactation practices, especially for Black and marginalized communities.

The history of lactation in these communities is rich with strength, resilience, and contributions that have shaped the field. From the midwives and community health workers who have supported generations of families to the pioneering Black mothers, activists, and scholars who have fought for better maternal health outcomes, their legacies continue to influence the way we approach breastfeeding and lactation care today.

Yet, despite these invaluable contributions, there is still much work to be done. Disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes persist, and access to culturally competent lactation support remains a significant barrier for many. This month, we renew our commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable lactation space for all families, ensuring that every parent and baby receives the care they deserve.

Join us as we continue to highlight the contributions of minority communities to lactation, recognize the challenges that remain, and work together toward a future where all families can thrive.

Minority Health Month Family Photoshoot
Minority Health Month Family Photoshoot
In honor of Minority Health month, Breastfeed Durham invites you to the Minority Health Month Family Photoshoot. We invite prenatal and postpartum families to take part in capturing the beauty of your journeys. The photoshoot will occur at Duke Park (106 West Knox Street, Durham, NC 27701). For any questions, contact Breastfeed Durham at 919-622-8787.
Sign Up Here
Save the Date
April 3 | 10am & 1pm
Ready, Set, Baby!
Ready, Set, Baby!
Family Matters Durham is offering free prenatal breastfeeding classes! This class offers education for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care to support new parents getting ready for their baby, whether they are adding to their family or first-time parents. There is also a free raffle prize and the end of each class for parents and/or baby. Morning classes are from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Afternoon classes are from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Learn More
April 5| 10-2pm
Join Us in Supporting MAAME, Inc.!
Join Us in Supporting MAAME, Inc.!
Breastfeed Durham is proud to support MAAME, Inc.’s 2nd Annual Walk, Run, & Stroll on Saturday, April 5, 10AM–2PM at the WG Pearson Center. This powerful event marks the start of Black Maternal Health Month and raises vital funds for doula care, lactation support, and postpartum wellness. Let’s walk, run, and stroll for change!
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April 8 | 10am
Certified Professional Midwife Legislation Advocacy Day
Certified Professional Midwife Legislation Advocacy Day
It’s time to head to Raleigh and advocate for SB617 to license Certified Professional Midwives in North Carolina! Make appointments to meet with your Representative and Senator to talk to them about why CPM licensure matters to you and your family.
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April 10 | 7-8:30pm
Food & Myths that Divide Us: A Conversation with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Food & Myths that Divide Us: A Conversation with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Join Come to the Table author and activist Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove at First Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC on April 10 for a conversation about the power of myths, how narratives can uplift and harm communities and individuals, and how people of faith can be part of the solution.
Register Here
April 11 | 4–7pm
Annual Dance Party Fundraiser for Black Maternal Health Week
Annual Dance Party Fundraiser for Black Maternal Health Week
Please join Equity Before Birth for their annual Dance Party Fundraiser in celebration of Black Maternal Health Week 2025! This celebratory event is open to all community members and will include fun for the entire family! There will be music, dancing, light refreshments, a Kid's Corner, information tables and special guests. Grab your tickets now as this will be a sold out event; you don't want to miss it!
Buy Tickets
April 16 | 9:30–3pm
Black Maternal Health Day of Action
Black Maternal Health Day of Action
Black Maternal Health Day of Action will bring advocates, doctors, moms, and families to the NC General Assembly to meet with members, encouraging them to fund black maternal health programs and support legislation that will help to improve maternal and infant mortality outcomes. It will include a welcome & morning briefing from members of the Legislative Black Caucus, a press conference, a break for lunch, and meetings with legislators to discuss black maternal health policy.
Sign Up Now
April 24 | 6:30pm
DPS Board Meeting
DPS Board Meeting
We want to hear your voice! Share your story, connect with others, and show your support at the next Durham Public Schools (DPS) Board Meeting. Be sure to arrive early for seating.
Learn More
April 25 | 9–4pm
2nd Annual MILK Conference
2nd Annual MILK Conference
NC State University's MILK Group is excited to share their 2nd Annual MILK Conference: Supporting Families in Routine and Crisis! The conference will be held on Friday, April 25, at Talley Student Union on NC State's campus. Registration and breakfast will be from 8am-9am and the conference will take place from 9am-4pm, including lunch.
Register Now
April 29 | 12-1:30pm
First Food Equity Series: Bridging Gaps from Birth to Breast: Special Edition
First Food Equity Series: Bridging Gaps from Birth to Breast: Special Edition
"Bridging Gaps from Birth to Breast: Special Edition" is an engaging and vital session for healthcare providers to enhance their understanding and practices in lactation support across diverse populations. This session will focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, presenting innovative approaches and practical solutions to bridge gaps in care from birth to breastfeeding.
Register Now
Stay aBreast
A Heartwarming Story of Confidence and Support: Breastfeeding Welcome Here Signs in Durham
At Breastfeed Durham, we’re excited to share a heartwarming moment from our community, made possible by our new Breastfeeding Welcome Here signs, in partnership with a local artist and Durham…
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North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition: Reflections on Lactation in Educational Settings
Are you a teacher or educator in North Carolina? Please consider sharing your experience breastfeeding or expressing milk while working as a teacher or educator to help us advocate for…
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Lactation, Equity, and Community Support: Addressing Disparities in Infant Feeding for Minority Families
Minority Health Month is a time to reflect on the systemic inequities that affect health outcomes in communities of color. One of the most pressing yet often overlooked aspects of…
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Get Ready for Baby: Prenatal Lactation Prep Consultation/Class Available Now!
Expecting a baby? One of the best ways to prepare for breastfeeding is by taking a comprehensive prenatal lactation class—and we’ve got just the thing for you! Triangle Lactation‘s Prenatal…
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Spotlight: Family Matters Durham & ICO4MCH
Breastfeed Durham is excited to highlight the incredible work ofFamily Matters Durham, an initiative under theImproving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health (ICO4MCH)program. This project is transforming breastfeeding support…
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Supporting Families in Need: Durham Food Resource Map and End Hunger Durham Pantry List
As we celebrate Minority Health Month and Black Maternal Health Week this April, it’s essential to acknowledge not only the importance of equitable healthcare and lactation practices but also the…
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Family Matters Durham: Welcome to Our Spring Edition!
In this edition, Family Matters Durham will explore ways to support Black women, share resources for expectant families, and highlight efforts being made in maternal and child health. We hope…
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Navigating a New Direction: Insights from the Patient Safety and Equity Workshop
Last month, Patients for Patient Safety US, a patient-led organization dedicated to safe, equitable care, invited our Executive Director, Bernadette Greene, and Breastfeed Durham to participate in patient safety and…
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Official Announcement: 2025 USBC National Breastfeeding Conference and Convening Cancellation
The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee has announced the cancellation of its June 2025 in-person National Breastfeeding Conference and Convening in Bethesda, MD. The USBC team affirms its commitment to deepening the impact of…
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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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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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