Welcome lactivists, skeptics and information seekers of all kinds! I am Jessica Fedenia and I’m so thrilled about the opportunity to explore and celebrate lactation care workers’ subjects of interest and the individuals, particularly Certified Lactation Counselors, who work to help families and communities achieve healthy infant and young child feeding goals. This space is dedicated to sharing the projects and organizations they create, the knowledge they uncover and discover and the experiences they undergo. We’ll also spotlight the role of other professionals in lactation management and research based strategies.
As a relatively new Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and young mother who initially struggled with breastfeeding even with access to a wealth of reliable information, I wholeheartedly support the strategies set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF)to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration. Honestly, if I had it my way the clouds would rain breastmilk and we all would hold hands dancing cheerfully over puddles of remedial liquid. That said, I still believe there is significance in considering all 6.9 billion (roughly) sides of the story.
So, come along to learn and share but please note: thoughtful, insightful engagement in our online community is encouraged. Critical, intelligently crafted discussion is welcomed. Blatantly offensive, threatening, vacuous comments including personal attacks will not be tolerated and will be removed immediately.
CLCs are doing a lot in Philadelphia. Katja Pigur, MEd, CLC, is a breastfeeding coordinator at Maternity Care Coalition, an advocacy group for mothers and babies for over 25 years. Naima Black, CLC, is the breastfeeding coordinator for the North Philadelphia Breastfeeding Project, a program funding by the Kellogg Foundation and administered through the Maternity Care Coalition. A CLC is working on staff in a pediatrician’s office; another is volunteering once a week in an underserved part of the City; yet another is working as a doula. I am happy to learn about this blog and look forward to exciting entries.
That’s so great, Nikki. Thanks very much for posting. It would be awesome to share what CLCs in Philadelphia are up to in more detail- thanks for the suggestions!
This is a lovely website and a wonderful blog! Thank you for all of your hard work to make this happen. FEMTIQUE Associates Incorporated Nurse Health Coaches look forward to serving the community outreach initiative for breastfeeding mothers. Nikki Lee, RN, MS, IBCLC, CCE, CIMI, ANLC, CKC has been conducting a class through the Philadelphia Department of Public Health on “Breastfeeding Basics for Community Health Workers” to which a few of us from FEMTIQUE have been attending. This class has been most helpful in updating our skills and knowledge regarding counseling mothers toward managing breastfeeding. It was enlightening to learn from each other in class as well. This evening is our final class (much to my chagrin).
Thank you Judith- We’re excited to share what FEMTIQUE is up to soon. How great to hear about your involvement in what sounds like an amazing class!