BFREE Coalition
Newsletter
The sign at the entrance to Wuneechanunk Shinnecock Preschool reads Hakame Wutokasinoh Noonooe Mukkiesog, meaning “Welcome Mothers of Nursing Babies” in the Shinnecock dialect of the Algonquin language.
A common concern mothers have is building adequate breastmilk supply. As breastfeeding advocates, we must ensure that mothers receive proper education and support.
Choosing to breastfeed/express your milk is a truly beautiful thing.
In November 2017, Small Blessings Daycare Home in Brentwood was designated as Breastfeeding Friendly by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
Dear BFREE Coalition Members,
Welcome to our January BFREE Newsletter. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends and wish everyone a happy and healthy 2018!
Choosing to breastfeed your child is a wonderful thing. Even though breastfeeding is so rewarding and convenient, it can be exhausting and hard to get the hang of! This year, when I became pregnant with my second child, I was wiser and thought I knew how to nurse, having nursed my first child for almost 17 months! I never thought I would suffer a painful latch or engorgement like I had with my first baby. Imagine how surprised I was when this experience was proving to be just like my first.
When I was expecting my first child, I was most concerned about my baby registry. Sounds silly saying that now, but it's true. I'm a person who thrives on to-do lists. I foolishly thought that if I had everything, everything would be fine. Well after a whirlwind birth and celebrating with family and friends, I suddenly found myself alone. A lot. While breastfeeding was going smoothly and my baby was doing well, I was constantly worried, stressed, and at times plain miserable. I found myself surrounded by all my wonderful baby registry items, yet nothing on my list seemed to be what I needed. What I really needed was support. I needed adult conversation and the reassurance from other breastfeeding moms. I needed to know I was not alone.
From the Expert: Influenza (Flu) Tips for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms
Getting a flu shot each year is the most important step in protecting against the flu. With the 2017-2018 flu season upon us, it is vital for all pregnant and breastfeeding women to receive a flu vaccine. Pregnant and postpartum (within 2 weeks after delivery) women, as well as children less than 2 years old, are at higher risk of complications from the flu.
Mother's Perspective: Pumping at Work
As a young woman and pediatrician expecting my first child I had everything mapped out, prenatal care, birth plan and commitment to breast feed exclusively. My sweet little boy graced our presence nearly 2 weeks after his due date. My husband and I were (and still are) truly overjoyed. However, the following days in the hospital proved a little difficult. While recovering from my section, I worked with the lactation consultants trying to get our son to latch comfortably. This was a struggle. To encourage my milk supply to come in, I started pumping. This way I could at least offer my son my breast milk, despite our difficulties with nursing.
Mother's Perspective: Wyandanch Baby Café
September 16th, 2017 marked the first official and soft opening of the Baby Café at Community Nazarene Church in Wyandanch, NY. The Baby Café is a free breastfeeding support group for new or expecting mothers that will be held twice a month at this location. These meetings will occur on Saturdays to accommodate working mothers who may not be able to attend meetings on weekdays.
