1. I AM: Breastfeeding
A project supported by the St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition
January 2015-June 2016
I AM: Breastfeeding
A project supported by the St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition
January 2015-June 2016
Introductio
n
Lessons
Learned
This project is supported by contract number XXXX from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), through Award Number 3U38OT000172-02S1 from the Centers from Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). This document and its contents are solely the responsibility of its authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NACCHO or CDC.
INTRODUCTIO
N
ACTIVITIES
KEY SUCCESSES LESSONS
LEARNED
SUSTAINABILITY
Events
Miracle Milk Stroll, 2015
Father’s Day Picnic
MILK, a documentary film
Exhibit at Perinatal Mood Disorders Conference
Outreach
African Arts Festival
Strong Women and Families Health Fair
AKA Back to School Fair
La Leche League Conference
Professional Development
•Congratulations to Asha, Denecia, and Brittany, our new
Certified Lactation Counselors.
•Myesha continues her education to maintain her
credential as an International Board Certified Lactation
Consultant (IBCLC)
Partnerships
Maternal Child and Family Health Coalition
Raising St. Louis – Parents as Teachers
Great Circle (home visiting program)
St. Mary’s Hospital (centering groups)
Birth and Wellness Center
Breastfeeding Circle (March 2015-March 2016)
Monthly gatherings at Ferguson Public Library
Nourishing food.
Facilitated by IBCLC, CLCs .
Family focused.
Attendance growing each month.
Mothers, fathers, children gather.
Number of Groups: 8
Average Attendance:
Number of Mothers served: 33
I AM Breastfeeding seeks to create a village of support to increase awareness of the
importance of breastfeeding with the urban communities of St. Louis.
The Problem
Lack of peer and professional breastfeeding support in African American communities.
Our Goals
1.Select a culturally relevant peer support model.
2.Implement monthly peer support groups.
3.Provide individual breastfeeding support.
4.Increase number of African American peer counselors and lactation consultants.
5.Build partnerships with health clinics, hospitals, and home visiting programs.
Our Team
Five African American women who share ownership of the project lead its implementation.
Target Population
Pregnant and breastfeeding women in Ferguson and surrounding communities.
V
Visits to Peer Support Programs
African American Breastfeeding Network, Milwaukee, WI
ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere), Atlanta, GA
Uzazi Village, Kansas City, MO
Training
ROSE Community Transformer Training
ROSE Breastfeeding Summit
Uzazi Village: lactation consultant. Doula, childbirth educator
Breastfeeding and Feminism International Conference
Perinatal Mood Disorders Conference
CLC training
WIC peer counselor training
Breatfeeding Support
Monthly Groups
Home visits
Phone calls, texts
Facebook Page
•Four passionate women committed to
continuing I AM: Breastfeeding.
•Advisory Council established.
•501c3 status application drafted.
•Peer Support Model forming.
•No cost location for monthly
breastfeeding circle secured.
•Lactation Scholarship Fund growing.
•Partnerships strengthening.
Miracle Milk Stoll, 2015
Our Role
•Bring breastfeeding expertise to existing organizations serving mothers
and babies.
•Offer simple, nourishing food for families at the monthly breastfeeding
circles.
•Call, text, and visit moms at home.
Our Challenges
•Give it time. Working from home with small children and keeping
other jobs slows us down. Steadfast, we move toward our goals.
•Communication is key. Text, phone, email, messaging can be
confusing. Regular face to face meetings are necessary.
Our Strategy
•Field trips are great. Use resources for conferences and seminars.
•Be part of the community: attend health fairs and festivals.
•Keep it fun – wear tutus!
I AM: Breastfeeding will become a nonprofit organization and
continue as member of the St. Louis Breastfeeding Coalition.
Contact Us:
Facebook: STLBFC Presents
I AM: Breastfeeding
Website:
stlbreastfeedingcoalition.org
Individual Breastfeeding Support
Mothers served
Home visits
On average, 3 encounters per mother
Milestones achieved
3months any breastfeeding: 5
6months exclusive breastfeeding 2
18 month 1
24 months 1
SonJoria at the Making a Difference in North St. Louis
Symposium sponsored by St. Louis University
Myesha relaxing on the beach after
visit to AABN in Milwaukee.
Our best group yet, March 2016, Ferguson Public Library