African American Breastfeeding Alliance of Dane County, Inc

01/24/2025

It's Maternal Health Day - Supporting Mamas Starts with the Heart!

Our doulas and community health workers are transforming maternal health outcomes for Black women and babies!

When it comes to maternal health, responding to your body’s signals is key to protecting your heart and ensuring a healthy pregnancy and birth. Our Well Black Doula Collective, health system partners and clients know first-hand how prioritizing heart health can lead to better outcomes for moms and babies.

Learn more about our Well Black Doula Collective and our maternal and child health work at ffbww.org.

And, SAVE THE DATE for the 5th Annual Black Maternal and Child Health Summit coming up on Thursday, April 17th. Registration opens in February!

11/08/2024

If you have extra breastmilk and need to make some space in your freezer, we can help get it to families that need it! Visit our website to learn how to donate your extra milk.
www.madmilkalliance.org/donate

09/30/2024

🗣️ Community -

Tomorrow is the last day to respond to the state's Maternal Child Health Needs Assessment.

This information that everyday people like you who follow this page gets compiled and then used to make, and justify, decisions.

It is important they hear from African American breastfeeding folks across Wisconsin. This cannot be emphasized enough- it is important that they hear from all types of people with experiences with breastfeeding across the entire state.

If you have not filled out the survey, please consider doing so, and encouraging at least one other person to do so, too.

Details below:

DHS Launches Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment to Gather Community Feedback

Share your voice through DHS’ maternal and child health needs assessment to shape future family health programs.

The survey, from the DHS Maternal and Child Health Program, is an opportunity for individuals and families in Wisconsin to influence the priorities and focus of maternal and child health programs in the state, and is part of a comprehensive, statewide assessment the program conducts every five years as part of federal funding.

The goal for the upcoming needs assessment is to hear from people from all backgrounds and parts of our state, as well as those most impacted by future family health improvement efforts and experiences.

The confidential, ten-minute survey covers a range of topics, including prenatal care, access to health care services, maternal mental health, child and infant health, birth outcomes, and community resources and will be open into September 2024. The survey is available in English, Hmong, and Spanish.

Through the survey, DHS will identify current community strengths, partnerships, and areas where people need more support to improve the health of our maternal and child populations.

Help support the health and well-being of families in Wisconsin! Complete the short statewide family, maternal, and child health survey today. The survey is available in English, Hmong, and Spanish.

Sharable link:

The Department of Health Services launches maternal and child health needs assessment to gather community feedbackWe want to hear from you! We are in a pivotal moment that only happens once every five years. Please take 15 minutes to complete the survey. Your voice matters.

09/08/2024

To all those giving your milk to your toddlers- 🙌🏾 Good for you! 🥰 Way to go! 🙌🏾

You’re providing essential nutrients to your little one and so much more!

08/28/2024

Happy Black Breastfeeding Week

08/28/2024

🎉 Black Breastfeeding Week is officially here! 🎉

This year, we’re calling on everyone to Listen Up! 📣 as we reclaim our narratives and center our stories for breastfeeding justice. 💜✊🏾

This year’s theme, "Listen Up! Reclaiming Our Narrative & Centering Our Stories," highlights the transformative power of storytelling in driving equity in lactation. Our stories matter—they are the catalyst for change, and they deserve to be heard. From the challenges to the triumphs, every voice in our community plays a crucial role in shaping a future where Black families can thrive.

🗣️Since our founding in 2007, the Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association has been committed to reducing racial inequities and expanding breastfeeding support for Black families. Black Breastfeeding Week is more than just a celebration—it’s a crucial movement. By centering our stories and experiences, we’re building a future where Black mothers can breastfeed with dignity.

Join us this week as we uplift, empower, and amplify our voices.

08/28/2024

08/11/2024

August is Breastfeeding Awareness month! 🤎

Breastfeeding benefits for maternal health include:
- Decreased menstrual blood loss
- Decreased risk of breast, ovarian, endometrial and thyroid cancers
- Decreased risk of hypertension
- Decreased risk of type 2 diabetes
- Decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Follow this link to learn more about the benfits of breastfeeding for mom and baby: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/default.aspx?_gl=1*rg664y*_ga*MTMyMjI5OTMxMi4xNzIzMTUwNDMw*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTcyMzE1MDQyOS4xLjEuMTcyMzE1MDQ1Ny4wLjAuMA..

08/11/2024

Did you know?

It is NORMAL for your baby to wake during the night to nurse. It is only a societal expectation that your baby “should be sleeping through the night.” 😒
Not only is night feeding normal but it is also important to development and breastfeeding, here’s why:
👉🏽 Moms make the most milk at night, so removing milk during this time is critical to milk supply. If milk stays stagnant in the breast it starts to trigger your milk production to slow down.
👉🏽Nighttime feed can deliver a lot of calories especially in older babies who are distracted eaters during the day.
👉🏽Beyond meeting the caloric needs of your baby feeding at night is meeting the emotional needs of your baby too. Remember breastmilk isn’t just nourishment it is also nurturing.
👉🏽Breastfeeding helps mothers and babies get to sleep faster, thank you oxytocin and cholecystokinin (CCK).😴
Co-sleeping, bed sharing, and the side lying breastfeeding position can all be very helpful to managing breastfeeding in the wee hours. Follow your instincts and do what works for you and your family.
How many times does your little one wake during the night?
Photo and text credit Roaring Fork Lactation Care
https://www.facebook.com/roaringforklactationcare/photos/a.528032134000823/1592122600925099/

08/08/2024

If you have extra breast milk, please consider donating it to local families.

Your donation makes a big difference, please reach out to the Madison Area Donor Milk Alliance today, your generosity can provide crucial nourishment and promote life long gut health to babies.

Thank you!