October 2024

Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities

for a more breastfeeding, chestfeeding, & human milk feeding,

family-friendly community

Community Chronicle

October 2024

Join us later this month at Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities (BFFC) for a collaborative meeting with community leaders from across the country, all working to implement the BFFC designation in their respective cities and towns. This session is exclusively tailored for those spearheading the designation process, offering a platform to exchange ideas, learn from peers, and draw inspiration. With a focus on intimate and productive discussions, we anticipate a relatively small group, ensuring each leader gets ample opportunity to share and connect. This is also a perfect chance to liaise with the BFFC team for additional guidance and support.

Wednesday, November 13 at 2 PM

The photo below was taken right before a roundtable event in Washington DC, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Seated beside me is Kiddada Green, the Founding Executive Director of the Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association and co-founder of Black Breastfeeding Week.

As National Breastfeeding Month, held annually in August, came to a close, I had the privilege of representing Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities at a significant roundtable in Washington, DC What stood out most was the opportunity to share our success stories, showcasing how our work is making a tangible difference for families across the country. As the discussion unfolded, I couldn’t help but feel proud of the impact our organization has had, particularly through our "10 Steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community."

The 10 Steps framework has been at the heart of our mission. It provides a clear, actionable checklist for communities striving to support breastfeeding families. This structure not only sets a pathway for achieving the Breastfeeding Friendly City designation but also empowers communities to take meaningful steps toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

During the roundtable, I shared stories of how our team, funded by Durham County Commissioners, went door-to-door educating businesses on the PUMP Act and encouraging them to go beyond the legal requirements. It was humbling to reflect on the national attention these efforts have garnered, proving that a focused, community-driven approach can create lasting change.

The 10 Steps framework is more than just a checklist; it’s a roadmap to success. It equips communities with the tools and guidance they need to create supportive environments for breastfeeding families. From engaging local businesses to building public awareness, the steps provide a holistic approach that has proven effective in cities across the country. This framework has allowed us to partner with 20 cities nationwide, helping them foster welcoming spaces for lactating parents and supporting them through the process.

As we continue to expand our efforts, this trip served as a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and the potential we have to make an even greater impact. Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities isn’t just about one city or one initiative; it’s about creating a national movement where every family feels supported in their breastfeeding journey.

— Love Anderson
Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities