What a fabulous idea! As a new mother, I empathize with these women's desire to do what's best for their babies. And as someone who has seen WIC in action, I understand that WIC's interests are NOT what's best for babies. I agree that this situation is terrible and unconscionable, and that action is needed now. Babies were made for breastmilk, and breastmilk was made for babies!!
The Breastfeeding Cafe sounds like a terrific idea. I especially LOVE that low-income moms would be given a chance to earn money and prove their worth to society as lactation consultants. That really helps the benefits extend beyond the Cafe's clients.
However, I'd suggest that the proposal is a little short on substance. For instance, although I'm angered by the story about the local WIC office, it doesn't help me understand the Cafe's long-term goals. I think a bit more details would be helpful.
This seems like a promising idea! How would one implement it though? Do you think there are any ways to reduce costs i.e. by exploring the use free spaces, tweaking your model, etc. that would make this easier to run with?
There is already a well developed model of care called The Baby Cafe. It is a registered trademark that started in the UK and has over 100 centers around the world. I am one of the co-founders of The El Paso Baby Cafe, the second licensed Baby Cafe in the United States. The other Baby Cafe is in Melrose, MA. We are a free drop-in center for pregnant women interested in breastfeeding and for breastfeeding women and their children. We are staffed by two I.B.C.L.C.'s, a Certified Lactation Educator, a Certified Childbirth Educator and trained volunteers. We are supported by funding grants and the Texas Department of Health Obesity Prevention Program. The El Paso Baby Cafe fulfills the 10th step in the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative for our parent hospital. I urge you to look into the already well-developed model available. These are not franchises, but rather independent centers with a unifying philosophy that adhere to strict guidelines. I urge you to visit their site www.thebabycafe.org for further information. There can never be too many Baby Cafe's!
Comments
What a fabulous idea! As a new mother, I empathize with these women's desire to do what's best for their babies. And as someone who has seen WIC in action, I understand that WIC's interests are NOT what's best for babies. I agree that this situation is terrible and unconscionable, and that action is needed now. Babies were made for breastmilk, and breastmilk was made for babies!!
The Breastfeeding Cafe sounds like a terrific idea. I especially LOVE that low-income moms would be given a chance to earn money and prove their worth to society as lactation consultants. That really helps the benefits extend beyond the Cafe's clients.
However, I'd suggest that the proposal is a little short on substance. For instance, although I'm angered by the story about the local WIC office, it doesn't help me understand the Cafe's long-term goals. I think a bit more details would be helpful.
Dear Carol,
This seems like a promising idea! How would one implement it though? Do you think there are any ways to reduce costs i.e. by exploring the use free spaces, tweaking your model, etc. that would make this easier to run with?
Sincerely yours,
Joseph
There is already a well developed model of care called The Baby Cafe. It is a registered trademark that started in the UK and has over 100 centers around the world. I am one of the co-founders of The El Paso Baby Cafe, the second licensed Baby Cafe in the United States. The other Baby Cafe is in Melrose, MA. We are a free drop-in center for pregnant women interested in breastfeeding and for breastfeeding women and their children. We are staffed by two I.B.C.L.C.'s, a Certified Lactation Educator, a Certified Childbirth Educator and trained volunteers. We are supported by funding grants and the Texas Department of Health Obesity Prevention Program. The El Paso Baby Cafe fulfills the 10th step in the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative for our parent hospital. I urge you to look into the already well-developed model available. These are not franchises, but rather independent centers with a unifying philosophy that adhere to strict guidelines. I urge you to visit their site www.thebabycafe.org for further information. There can never be too many Baby Cafe's!
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