In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month, the #RVAbreastfeeds initiative, in partnership with the Nurture team, held an impressive event called “Knock One Out of the Park for Breastfeeding.” This vibrant gathering was a testament to the dedication and commitment of the community in supporting breastfeeding and lactating families in the Richmond area.
The “Knock One Out of the Park” event showcased a community of families and breastfeeding advocates who rallied together to promote breastfeeding awareness. As a model for other communities, the event demonstrated the power of a collective effort to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for breastfeeding families. It also highlighted the importance of community-wide initiatives that empower parents and caregivers and create spaces where breastfeeding is celebrated and supported.
In the coming months, #RVAbreastfeeds will continue to inspire other communities with their proactive approach to breastfeeding support and advocacy. They will be hosting a quarterly meeting on August 23, which will take place via Zoom. The meeting aims to share images and reflections from the “Knock One Out of the Park” event, discuss plans for the upcoming “Breastfeeding Welcome Here Outreach” in September, and generate ideas for the 2024 Convening of Lactation Stakeholders. This is a great example of how communities can come together, share their successes, and work towards a shared vision of promoting breastfeeding in their respective areas.
We continue to be inspired by Richmond’s Perinatal Health Mondays series. The next two sessions will shift the focus from systems-level work to family support. The first session will feature Dr. Ann Kellams, a Newborn Hospitalist and Breastfeeding Medicine specialist, who will provide valuable insights and strategies to support new families in the initial weeks of exclusive breastfeeding. The second session will feature Kate White, who will speak on Healing for Feeding and how to help the newborn family after a traumatic birth. This session will explore the concept of “feeding trauma” and how birth trauma and interventions may impact lactation. We’ll explore the baby’s perspective and delve into the professional’s role in addressing feeding trauma, offering therapy for the baby, and providing useful tools for professionals.
We’re excited to celebrate the work that the Richmond community is doing and continue working together to support and advocate for breastfeeding families in RVA. Your dedication and passion inspire us, and we’re grateful to be part of this vibrant community.