In the heart of our mission at Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities (BFFC), lies the unwavering belief that it takes the whole community to support a family. This belief steers our efforts towards nurturing an ecosystem where every family has access to the support they need to thrive. Central to this vision is the potential for collaboration between community organizations and faith-based groups, a partnership that holds the promise of creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for breastfeeding families.
Today we shine a light on the compelling opportunities that emerge when communities and faith-based organizations come together. We are excited to share an article that encapsulates the spirit of collaboration, drawing on insights and ideas gathered from recent dialogues among stakeholders passionate about supporting families in North Carolina.
The article presents a thoughtful exploration of how these collaborations can enrich our communities, offering strategies, examples, and actionable steps that can be taken to foster stronger bonds and more effective support systems. It is a call to action for all of us to consider how we can break down silos and work together towards a shared goal of ensuring that every family feels supported in their breastfeeding journey.
We encourage you to dive into this inspiring piece, reflect on the potential it unveils, and join us in brainstorming how we might implement these ideas within our own communities. Your input, creativity, and commitment to our cause are crucial as we aim to expand our network of support and make a tangible difference in the lives of families across our region.
Together, let’s imagine and build a future where collaboration between communities and faith-based organizations is not just a possibility, but a fundamental pillar of our approach to supporting families.
Nurturing the Future
The Role of Faith Communities in Supporting Families
The essence of faith communities lies both in spiritual guidance and in the holistic support faith communities provide to families, especially those navigating pregnancy and the early days and weeks of parenthood. Central to community support systems, including faith community support, is the promotion of breastfeeding, recognized for its vital role in infant health and development. Faith communities, by embracing and actively promoting breastfeeding-friendly environments, offer a beacon of welcome and encouragement to young families. This commitment to supporting and nurturing young families extends beyond acceptance, fostering a place where families feel genuinely welcomed and valued in their decision to breastfeed. How can our faith communities support families? Whose role is it?
Church Grandparents
Church Grandparents play a pivotal role in this nurturing environment. Couples expecting a new baby often return to church for the first time in years. They are looking to the church for encouragement and support. How does breastfeeding fit in? A lot has changed since many of us became parents. Most new families want to breastfeed. We have learned so much about the importance of breastfeeding for infant growth and development and the importance of breastfeeding for the health of the new mother, and families want to give their infants the optimal start. What has stayed the same is the support that families need during pregnancy and after the birth of their baby. Is supporting families with new babies built into administration of your church? As a grandparent, there are so many ways to be present to a family. Families with new babies may need a meal cooked or help with the laundry, or they may appreciate having communion delivered during a difficult pregnancy or right after the birth of a new child. Families need grandparents who welcome and encourage their infant feeding choice. As figures of wisdom and warmth, you embody the community’s embrace of young families. Even if you did not breastfeed, you can show families support. Grandparents can act as a mentor, sharing wisdom and experiences and providing guidance and reassurance to new families.Your actions and words help to weave the fabric of a supportive community, where young parents feel understood and supported. Learn more.
Faith Leaders
Faith leaders and the broader faith community amplify this support, making it clear that families are welcome and valued not just during major religious celebrations but as integral parts of the community. By discussing the importance of breastfeeding and family support from the pulpit, organizing workshops, providing resources, and ensuring that places of worship are truly welcoming to new mothers, faith communities send a powerful message of inclusivity. Creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment also involves providing information about the ways that the congregation can support nursing families . These actions, coupled with breastfeeding-friendly policies, demonstrate a tangible commitment to supporting families.
Beyond Christmas and Easter
To truly engage young families year-round, faith communities must communicate that their support extends beyond the walls of the place of worship and into the daily lives of families. Events and groups tailored to parents, such as parenting classes, mother’s groups, dad meetups, and family social events, create additional touchpoints with the community. These activities provide not only support but also opportunities for young families to forge connections with one another, building a network of peer support.
By actively promoting and supporting breastfeeding, and by creating an environment where young families feel welcomed and supported in all aspects of family life, faith communities can become indispensable partners in the journey of parenthood. This partnership, rooted in compassion and understanding, knowledge and resources, has the power to draw families closer, not just on major holidays but as valued and active members of the community throughout the year.