Every IBCLC needs a network of trusted professionals. The Maine State Breastfeeding Conference is an excellent place to learn, meet and discuss details with colleagues.

The original impetus for this legislation came from MItchell Kohls, IBCLC. With the co-operation of many others, on a tight deadline, they accomplished something important.

We celebrate the Town of Brunswick. They have implemented Lactation Friendly policies in thier municipal offices.

The ‘Patchwork of Parenthood’ storytelling event is an occasion to recognize parents as they learn, change and find resilience.

Kara Kaikini, Mitchell Kohls, Paula Norcott, Robin Snyder-Drummond, Nicole Hart, Anne Marie Van Hengel and Lisa Sheer: six IBCLCs and one OB-Gyn testified in support of a LD 865. That would require MaineCare to reimburse IBCLCs for home and private practice visits.

Dr. Meag is a Physical Therapist who helps women with strengthening their pelvic floor. This is especially important for postpartum recovery.

Elizabeth and her happy son Liam met Robin the IBCLC at the Milk Depot in Ellsworth. Elizabeth is a generous donor of Human Milk, donating over 500 ounces to the Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast so far. That will reach many babies.

In an emergency like a severe storm, there is a risk of water contamination. Contaminated water can lead to diarrhea and dehydration in babies. Whether breastfed, bottle fed or formula fed, a few simple steps can avoid this serious problem.

Having food for our babies while we’re travelling is important. TSA lists specific foods as “medically necessary liquids”. The policies for handling these foods and breast pumps needs to be consistently enforced.

“There are so many different ways to be involved and they’re all really important.” Brooke Barron reviewed the basic steps of legislation. Learn about important dates and ways to communicate with your legislators.

This story and these resources will help you understand and plan for breastfeeding after breast cancer. There are also several resources for support and information that she shares.

Congratulations to this WIC office in Ellsworth, Maine! They won a Gold Award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This crew has offered practical support and resources to many families in the Downeast region of Maine.

We recommend creating a scheduling and experimenting with your pumping routine, and be sure you have the right equipment to make it a bit easier.

Start preparing to pump at work about 6 weeks before your return date by pumping and freezing milk. You really only need enough milk for the first day you and your baby are separated, plus some extra as a cushion!

Creating a back to work plan and discussing it with your supervisor before your return to work can greatly increase the likelihood of a positive return-to-work experience for both you and your employer.

The Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition has partnered with other organizations to accomplish some important policy changes. Maine Paid Family Leave and the Tool Kit for Employees Returning to Work are two important gains.

There are several ways for us to better provide more Human Milk to more babies. When every baby receives human milk, we will be a healthier Maine. Help close the gap in access to breast milk. Learn about what you can do and celebrate World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7, 2024.

I have seen changes happening in lactation spaces…more terms being used.. more research… more trainings being offered that focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ lactation.

A reliable, positive personal connection for a growing child is invaluable. In appreciation of the variety of families, the MSBC is again presenting The Patchwork of Parenting storytelling event on Saturday June 1st. It will deepen your appreciation of caregiving and parenting.

Tired and anxious parents are the obvious and especially vulnerable targets of manipulative marketing. The W.H.O Code (a.k.a the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes) was created to protect parents/families from this. Participate in a research study that will collect data on this negative practice.

There is now a Milk Depot in Ellsworth at Anchored Women’s Health. “Our goal is to increase awareness of and access to donor milk in Maine.” Babies need Donor Human Milk for many reasons. Learn more about the donating Human Milk and the network of Milk Banks.

Returning to work is like early postpartum, a time of adjustment for you and your family. An excellent resources is the Tool Kit for Employees Returning to Work. It was created by the Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition and the Let’s Go program of MaineHealth.

Our coalition accomplished a lot in 2023. That includes the Patchwork of Parenting event, a new executive director, a presentation about inclusivity at the USBC, work with Maine Paid Family Leave Coalition and more. We look forward to more good work in 2024.

Safe Sleep Practices are steps you can take to reduce risks. Learn more about what’s developmentally appropriate and what defines safe sleep. There are excellent resources for parents. You and your family can rest easier.

Petrichor Kneeland-Campbell was invited to speak on a panel at the United States Breastfeeding Coalition National Conference this June 2023. The title of their panel was ‘One Step at a Time: Transforming Organizational Culture to Advance DEI in the First Food Field.’.

Maulian Bryant is the the Tribal Ambassador to the Penobscot Nation. She has a background in activism, teaching, and cultural preservation. Maulian is the mother of three daughters, Carmella (16), Layla (14), and Iris (1 year). She shares her experience breastfeeding:

World Breastfeeding Week is every August. Breastfeeding is important to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. This year the theme is centered on “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a difference for Working Parents”.

Soft Corner midwives offer a safe space for all phases of reproductive care. They offer a comprehensive Postpartum Care service that includes one prenatal planning visit and eight postpartum visits with a midwife, IBCLC and pelvic floor therapist. Soft Corner is also active in advocating for family-supportive legislations.

This event, “The Patchwork of Parenting” was an enriching event. Each story was an engrossing ten minutes, though felt like a rich hour of storytelling. Every story helps us appreciate a wider view of what parenting requires.