Increase Access to Breastfeeding Support this #GivingTuesday

We’d like you to meet AnaKaren.  She is one of the moms who was able to access affordable breastfeeding support because of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation.

Breastfeeding was something I always knew I wanted to do, I just didn't know how hard of a process it was going to be. When I had my baby girl I suffered from postpartum anxiety and pretty bad baby blues. Diana, like all babies, lost a lot of her birth weight and was not gaining it back as fast as she should've been. Breastfeeding her became a real struggle, and with my anxiety I was at a loss. I almost gave up multiple times because I didn't know what I was doing wrong, and I always had this anxious feeling that she was going to lose weight again because she was not feeding well.

Someone recommended I reach out to the San Diego Breastfeeding Center, so I called and made an appointment with Robin. When I arrived for my appointment I was welcomed with a warm smile and I instantly felt more comfortable. During our meeting I felt reassured and was given many helpful tips and advice. When our appointment was over I received an email with my breastfeeding plan and all the tips she had provided. I was so happy at how efficient the appointment was, and how fast Robin emailed me with the information. During our appointments, Robin was able to point out to me that my baby had a lip and tongue tie and I was referred to two dental specialist. Diana was able to get both her lip and tongue tie revised which helped immensely with breastfeeding. During our appointments, I was not only able to receive great advice but I was able to afford coming back two more times.

With limited income and a husband in school, it would've been very difficult to be seen at SDBFC without their affordable $25 appointment fee. Being able to afford the appointments made the difference between breastfeeding my baby and not breastfeeding. My baby and I are now three months into this incredibly breastfeeding journey, and I continue to see all the support I receive from the SDBFC team every time I go to their free breastfeeding support groups. Without their affordable cost fee and support I know my baby and I would've had a completely different outcome on this breastfeeding journey. The bond that my baby and I have created through breastfeeding has been possible because of the support and help from San Diego Breastfeeding Center.

AnaKaren

---

Breastfeeding is a right. It is not a privilege for only those who can afford support. That is why I give. - Robin

---

Join me in helping local families, like AnaKaren’s, gain access to critical breastfeeding support on this #GivingTuesday.

Wondering how to do this?

We are asking you to help us #SupportSDMoms by donating your weekly coffee money!  It’s that simple!  If everyone reading this email donated $20 today, the amount they would spend at a coffee shop this week, we would be able to raise over $40,000 on #GivingTuesday.  

Can you help us reach this goal?

All you have to do is click on this CrowdRise link or on this SDBFC Foundation link to donate this week’s coffee allowance and help bring affordable breastfeeding support to hundreds of local low-income moms.

To donate by check, please send to:

San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation

3355 4th Ave.

San Diego, CA 92103

READ THIS BEFORE YOU SHOP ON AMAZON THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

DID YOU KNOW….

• While 93% of moms start breastfeeding exclusively at birth in San Diego, only 56% continue doing so at 3 months, largely due to a lack of financial resources and access to ongoing lactation support.

• You can donate to the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation with every purchase you make through Amazon Smile?  

• You can help low-income mothers gain access to critical breastfeeding support by purchasing Amazon items online, just by shopping through smile.amazon.com instead of amazon.com!

GUESS HOW EASY THIS IS???

We are asking you to take 60 seconds of your time today to designate the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation as your charitable recipient for Amazon Smile.  All you have to do is go to their website (smile.amazon.com) and choose the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation as your Amazon Smile recipient.  Or you can click on our direct charity link (https://smile.amazon.com/ch/81-1935497) Then as you make your holiday purchases, as well as your staples of diapers, nipple cream, baby toys, book, etc, the SDBFC Foundation will receive 0.5% of every purchase, at no extra cost to you.  This money will go directly to paying for lactation consultations for families in need.

---

I met with Robin after the birth of my second baby to help with nursing pain and latch difficulties. I had been laid off from my job during maternity leave and enrolled my children in Medi-Cal coverage. The reduced fee for Medi-Cal patients encouraged me to seek help for my breastfeeding journey. It eased a financial burden as well as a mental and emotional need as Robin is an expert in her field. As a Medi-Cal patient, you often wonder if you are receiving the same level of care as privately insured patients. There is no question here. Robin and her staff are with you for life, breastfeeding and beyond.

Megan

---

Amazon Smile Details:

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization.

To donate to the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation directly, you can send a check to:

San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation

3355 4th Ave.

San Diego, CA 92103

Or donate through our website: https://www.sdbfcfoundation.org/donate.

Baking for a Cause - Petite Paleo Bakery

Community. It’s what makes living in a particular location worthwhile and fulfilling. I have had the pleasure of living in San Diego for most of my life and each new life chapter has encouraged me to broaden my community. Becoming a mom 13 years ago (and having a child with severe food allergies) led me to search for a more environmentally-conscious, wholistic, and wholefoods-based community. One of these generous community members has asked to kick off our ‘end of the year nonprofit fundraising campaign’ with a Bake Sale! We are so grateful to have Rose, of Petite Paleo Bakery, in our community and for her incredible generosity. Please allow me to introduce Rose!

My name is Rose Malihan and I am the owner of Petite Paleo Bakery. Our delicious homemade Paleo inspired baked goods are free of gluten, grains, dairy, soy, and refined sugars. Our natural sweeteners are dates, coconut sugar, or honey. We also offer savory wraps and rolls and use organic and local ingredients as much as possible. And most importantly, all of our sweets and treats are kid-tested and mom-approved!

I was passionate about health and fitness before I became a mom, so breastfeeding was an obvious choice after my baby was born in 2010. We met Robin at her weekly breastfeeding support group when my daughter was less than a month old.  I am so thankful that we found her, because unfortunately for us, breastfeeding was challenging!  My newborn baby girl was not latching correctly, nursing was painful, and she was slow to gain weight. Robin was so compassionate and put us in touch with the right healthcare providers, and soon thereafter, I gained more confidence about being a mom, nursing in public, and advocating for what I felt was right for us. My daughter started gaining weight more steadily, and we continued our nursing journey until she was two years old.

I am forever grateful for Robin and the San Diego Breastfeeding Center, and for the resources they provided to us when we needed it the most. Being able to breastfeed my baby for as long as we did was the most amazing experience, and I am thankful that we had that time to bond, and that my body experienced the beauty of nourishing a life. 

When I started Petite Paleo Bakery earlier this year, one of my goals was to make a difference in the community, and especially with families. I chose to bake in honor of Robin and the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation, because they made what I feared at many times to be impossible, possible. I was able to provide one of nature's most precious gifts of love and health to my daughter the first two years of her life. Through our bake sales, we will raise money to help provide this gift to other local families in need, in hopes that they may also have this beautiful and empowering experience. We appreciate your support!

Rose will be offering two separate bakes sales. One for pick up before Thanksgiving and one before the Christmas holiday.

If you are interested in just donating to our nonprofit foundation, feel free to head over to our website. Our End of the Year Fundraising Campaign starts next week and we would love to include you as one of our donors!

Meet SDBFC's Newest Lactation Consultant - Sophie Talke

We are thrilled to announce that we have a new lactation consultant on staff at SDBFC!  Sophie Talke is an IBCLC and Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist. She brings a wealth of knowledge working with children and their families, as well as personal breastfeeding experience. Welcome to the SDBFC family, Sophie!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!

I am originally from the Bay Area in Northern California. I moved down to San Diego for college where I attended the University of California, San Diego and received a Bachelors of Science in Biology. I swam competitively during my four years at UCSD on their swim team. I fell in love with the San Diego area. The warm weather, beaches, and active lifestyle could not be beat! A couple of years later, I decided to go to graduate school for Occupational Therapy. I completed my Masters degree at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. I moved back down to San Diego as soon I was finished. Several years later, I met my husband, Kurt, and we got married in beautiful Lake Tahoe. We now have an amazing 20-month-old son, Jacob, who is the light in our lives. He is full of joy and energy, and it has been so much fun watching him grow and learn everyday. We are a very active family and love to spend time outdoors. We run, hike, bike, swim, and love to travel together as a family. We recently got back from an amazing trip to Spain and cannot wait to plan another adventure soon!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A LACTATION CONSULTANT?

After working in the occupational therapy field for over 8 years, I knew that I was still searching for the right fit and a specific area in which to specialize. I have always been drawn to the health field because I enjoy helping people and making a difference in their lives. I pursued lactation consulting before ever having a child of my own. It was through watching close friends and family members struggle with breastfeeding that I became interested in the field. This specialty was so intriguing, and I knew that it was going to be the perfect fit for me! Becoming a lactation consultant has personally helped me so much with my own breastfeeding journey with my son. I am excited to be able to work with mothers and babies while sharing my knowledge and experience with them.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WORKING WITH SDBFC?

I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team! All of the IBCLCs are so caring, knowledgeable, and gifted at helping others become successful in their individual breastfeeding journeys. I have had multiple friends receive wonderful care through SDBFC, and they have been able to breastfeed despite various challenges. I am excited to be able to offer this same quality care to all of the families that I encounter along the way.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 TIPS FOR A BRAND NEW BREASTFEEDING FAMILY?

1. Do not be afraid to ask for help! There is no shame in seeking help from others along the way, whether it is with breastfeeding or in any other area of your life.

2. Keep an open mind and enjoy the journey ☺ Everyone’s journey is different, and that is okay!

3. Remember that it is just a phase and you will get through it! Challenges may occur along the way, but you can and will persevere. You will come out the other end as a stronger person!

Our Foundation’s Newest Partner - Black Infant Health

Disparities in breastfeeding rates among women of color are rampant in the United States.

DID YOU KNOW…….

Image credit: Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association

One of the largest predictors of breastfeeding initiation and duration is access to breastfeeding support provided by qualified professionals (IBCLCs.)  One of the main reasons we created the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation was to increase access to IBCLC support for local women of color and low-income families. But, we cannot do this without community partners!  

---

Black Infant Health Program

The staff at Black Infant Health

We are thrilled to announce that Black Infant Health has become our newest partner in an effort to improve breastfeeding rates in our local African-American communities.  Each participant in the Black Infant Health program will be offered a free, in-home breastfeeding consultation after her baby is born!

Jarrah Foster, an amazing local lactation consultant, will be providing these consultations, as well as follow-up support for each family.  Jarrah completed her Lactation Education through UCSD and interned at Kaiser Lactation Clinic and the San Diego Breastfeeding Center. She holds an MBA and a B.S. in Health Studies, and is a Master Certified Health Coach and Babywearing Educator.

We are so excited to have such a well-respected and established community organization as a new partner and we cannot wait to support their mamas along their breastfeeding journeys!

If you would like to make a donation to cover the cost of one of these breastfeeding consultations, please click HERE to donate!

Meet SDBFC's Newest Lactation Consultant - Mahea Buckler

We are thrilled to announce that we have a new lactation consultant on staff at SDBFC!  Mahea Buckler is an RN with tons of postpartum and NICU experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge to our team that she has gained in her RN and IBCLC training, as well as her personal breastfeeding experiences.  Welcome to the SDBFC family, Mahea!

Tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii and have always been my best when I’m surrounded by nature! I moved to the “mainland” for college, and after living in Colorado for 6 years I met my future husband and moved to San Diego. As a Navy family we have been lucky to have lived in San Diego for nearly 12 years. We enjoy the beaches and the hiking that are available year-round. Before our daughter was born, I was working full time as an RN on the postpartum and NICU units. Once our son arrived, it made the most sense for our family for me to stay home with our two small kiddos.  It was during this time that my journey to become a lactation consultant began. I have always had a love of helping others, especially mothers and babies. Having the opportunity to pursue a career that allows me to fulfill that passion while also being a full-time and present parent has been a true gift!

What inspired you to become a lactation consultant?

I have always known I wanted to be a breastfeeding mother. However, I did not expect all of the overwhelming challenges that I would be faced with. I was unable to breastfeed my daughter, and although I pumped for her, there were so many emotions surrounding my feeling that I was inadequate and unable to feed my child. When my son was born I was determined to breastfeed him. Once again, we were met with unexpected challenges. Luckily, we found Robin and the SDBFC and they were able to help us work though these difficult times. Being a mother who has experienced exclusive pumping, supplementing and exclusive breastfeeding has given me a unique perspective on infant feeding and the ability to empathize with other mothers who face unique challenges. Through my experiences, my passion for helping other families with a desire to breastfeed their infants, grew. I became a lactation consultant to share my knowledge, experience and love for mothers and babies. 

What are you most excited about working with SDBFC?

I am thrilled to be part of such an amazing team here at the SDBFC! I know first hand what a difference experienced lactation help can make for families, and I am passionate about providing that support for other families in the community. I am also excited to have the opportunity to create a relationship with our clients and assist them throughout their breastfeeding journeys. 

What are your top 3 tips for a brand-new breastfeeding family?

1. Allow yourself grace, there will be challenges that you face. Give yourself the space to know that you’re not always going to be perfect… and that’s OK! 
2. Ask for help! Sometimes as parents we feel deficient if we can’t accomplish every thing by ourselves. But we were meant to raise our kids in a village with people surrounding us with love and support. Find your village and support each other. You may be the one who needs help right now, but one day you will be able to provide help to another family. 
3. Everyone’s breastfeeding and parenting journey looks different. Find what works for your family! 

SDBFC is Opening a Second Location!

The San Diego Breastfeeding Center is thrilled to announce that we are opening up a second location!!!!  

Starting Wed, September 5th, we will be offering in-office breastfeeding consultations at the Tree of Life Birth Center in Encinitas.  It’s no secret that we often get booked up sometimes a week in advance, which breaks our hearts knowing that there are families who have to wait so long for a lactation appointment.  So we thought we’d try to add a few more appointments per day and Tree of Life had the space and the perfect location. Right off the freeway. Plenty of parking. Positive birthy vibes.  Awesome Parent and Baby classes. What more could you ask for?

We will start accepting appointments at the Tree of Life location the week before we open, so stay tuned if you are interested in being one of our first clients up there!  We will definitely miss Debbie and Michelle at our San Diego location, but know that they will make our Encinitas location just as cozy and welcoming!

For more information about booking breastfeeding consultations with us, please check out the consultation page on our website!

2018 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway!

The theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2018 is Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life.  In the spirit of helping families provide as much breast milk to their children as possible, these wonderful companies listed below do all that they can to support, guide, and protect a family’s ability to meet their personal breastfeeding and pumping goals. We are thrilled to partner up with them this year for our 2018 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway!

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2018, 16 breastfeeding and pumping-supportive companies have donated items for an enormous Breastfeeding Mom Prize Package, valued at over $2000!  First we’d like to introduce you to the co-hosts of the 2018 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week giveaway. Then, we’ll share all of the goodies that have been so graciously donated.

San Diego Breastfeeding Center:  A judgment-free online and in-person resource for evidence-based breastfeeding information and personalized assistance for mothers facing breastfeeding challenges.  Founded by Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC in 2009, SDBFC offers private breastfeeding consultations, classes, free support groups, and an extensive blog. In August 2016, Robin started the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which offers reduced-rate lactation consultations to families with financial need.  In 2018, Robin published her first book, Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage.

The Badass Breastfeeder: The Badass Breastfeeder is a blog written by Abby Theuring, a social worker, writer, public speaker, activist, wife and mother of 2 who lives in Chicago, IL. The blog empowers mothers to breastfeed in public, and to breastfeed beyond infancy. It encourages moms and dads to trust their parenting instincts and helps parents develop the confidence to make important decisions for their families. It’s also the personal story of one family’s struggles through the ups and downs of attachment parenting. Unlike many parenting blogs, it paints an honest, authentic picture of the stressful moments that come along with being a parent. The Badass Breastfeeder is a global community of moms and dads who share their experiences so that we know we are not alone.

How to Enter the 2018 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway

You may enter the giveaway from August 1, 2018 - August 8, 2017.  On August 8, 2017, we will announce 1 lucky winner of the Breastfeeding Mom Prize Package.  Winners must live in the United States or Canada.  Enter from the Rafflecopter below.  (If you are seeing this blog post from our newsletter email, click through to go to our website to enter the Rafflecopter)

Check out these year's prizes!

One Calypso To Go pump from Ardo. The Calypso-To-Go is the ultimate collection with all you need to be totally mobile when you are expressing. The collection includes a double breastpump plus a complete selection of breastfeeding accessories, easy to transport in a stylish breastfeeding bag. Accessories also include: cool bag and cooling elements for storing breast milk.

One Pippa All In One Nursing and Handsfree Pumping Bra from Dairy Fairy.  It lets you nurse, handsfree, pump and adjust to your constantly fluctuating size.

One item from GlamourMom. The original expert in full support nursing bras built into stylish tanks and tops.

One Milk-Saver. One Milk Tray, one Nursing Blend, one Nursing Time Tea, one Softies Nursing Pads, and  one Nipple Nurture Balm all from Fairhaven Health. Milkies by Fairhaven Health is a line of innovative breastfeeding products to help moms reach their breastfeeding goals! Products include breast milk collection and storage solutions to help moms returning to work, as well as supplements, teas, nipple balm, nursing pads, and much more!

Freemie Closed System Collection Cup Set.  Pump with your shirt on—anytime, anywhere, with Freemie!

One $50 gift certificate for Lactation Granola Bars from Oat Mama.  Undeniably delicious and packed with brewer's yeast and healthy fats from nuts and seeds, Oat Mama lactation granola bars are lovingly crafted by breastfeeding mamas for breastfeeding mamas.

One $50 gift certificate from Momzelle.  Momzelle's mission is to help mothers feel comfortable and confident breastfeeding in public by designing high quality, affordable and super cute nursing wear.

One Breastfeeding/Nursing Necklace from Wee Kings.  Wee Kings nursing necklaces are the perfect distraction for baby's hands while being fed, and are a stylish, practical accessory for mom to wear.

One $100 gift certificate from Vida Leche Amor. Vida Leche Amor is a collection of fashionable tops and dresses designed to be worn during the full-term breastfeeding relationship and beyond.

$45 gift card from Udderly Hot Mama.  You'll feel so stylish and enjoy the quick access to nursing so much that you'll want to wear this shirt all year round. The patent-pending inside flap, included in every Udderly Hot Mama® nursing garment, provides extra privacy during a feeding. When baby's weaned, you can easily remove it and add your top to your everyday wardrobe.

One $75 gift certificate from Milk Nursingwear.  Milk Nursingwear designs chic nursing tops, nursing dresses and nursing sleepwear that feature hidden openings making breastfeeding anywhere, anytime both convenient and discreet.

LatchPal and a Little Zip Pocket Blanket from LatchPal.  LatchPal is the only breastfeeding clip of its kind; the one-handed, patented, quick fastening method makes it easy for postpartum and pumping mothers to secure their shirts and nurse in comfort.  It also doubles as a nursing reminder clip! Little Zip Pocket Blanket is a fashionable and functional blanket that can be used for cuddling, nursing, and carrying your parenting necessities. This innovative blanket has a hidden zipper pocket that stores diapers, wipes, breastfeeding accessories, and more.

One Prenatal Bundle from Rumina Naturals.  Our Prenatal bundle includes three of our best selling products.  Our Womb to Grow complete prenatal vitamin,with Methylated folate, will nourish mom and baby from the inside out while our Totally Tallow skin cream will provide soothing moisture to a growing, glorious belly! Our Baby Rump Rub is a must-have for all new Mommas to help heal and protect those tiny bums from diaper rash right from the start and a jar of our Ouchie Momma nipple cream A soothing balm to accelerate the healing of sore, cracked nursing nipples.

Set of Visy bras from Nurse Me Mama.  Its soft cotton & stretch frame assists in cupping around breast. The visual graphics on frame helps  baby focus and latch!

Breastfeeding Friendly Seed Tee from Cuarto Creciente.  Designed for functional nursing without having to lose style, comfort and most importantly without feeling exposed when nursing in public. Seed t-shirts are locally made in Vancouver by a lovely couple who has been in business for over 30 years.

Brand New Forward-Facing Carrier by Tula.  Baby Tula JUST introduced their new Tula Explore Baby Carrier. This stylish carrier not only offers a fully adjustable panel to help you keep baby close from early infancy but, for curious babies, the Explore Baby Carrier lets your baby face out and see their little world.

Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage by Robin Kaplan. Latch is a judgment-free guide to breastfeeding that will teach you exactly what you need to know to meet your own personal breastfeeding goals.

Enter NOW and best of luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Tulas, nursing bras, free classes, Oh My!

So you thought you were just coming to the Big Latch On event to hang out with friends and latch on your kiddo, right?  Well, wait until you see all of the fantastic breastfeeding and pumping swag you have the opportunity to win at our drawing on Saturday!  

We feel incredibly fortunate to have the support of so many local businesses and national breastfeeding-friendly companies.  These businesses have graciously donated goods and services to help raise money for the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation, our non-profit organization which offers reduced-fee private breastfeeding consultations for local low-income families.  Last year we raised about $2500 for our foundation at the Big Latch On event and we are hoping to DOUBLE that this year!  

After you register at the Big Latch On, you will have a chance to purchase opportunity drawing tickets.  You will receive one free ticket with registration and the rest can be purchased for:

$1 - 1 ticket

$5 - 6 tickets

$10 - 12 tickets

$20 - 25 tickets

ALL proceeds will be donated to the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation

At 10:45am, we will begin to announce the winners of each prize.  You must be present to win the prize.

Ready to see what you have the chance to win????

Nature’s Whisper - 3 yoga class package

Gymboree - Gymboree gift basket with toys and free month of classes

Rumina - several Pump&Nurse bras and tanks

Tula - Standard Canvas Carrier, Toddler Canvas Carrier, Free to Grow Carrier, 2 sets of 3-pack blankets

Dairy Fairy - nursing and pumping bras

Kid Ventures - 5 free passes (worth $90)

Becoming Peaceful - Free parent coaching session and free parenting workshop

Freemie - Liberty pump with deluxe cup

Ardo - Calypso Double Plus pump

Nutrition in Bloom - free classes and free private nutrition counseling session

Sugar Night Night - Two Sleep Coaching Starter Bundles

Deanna Honda - 60-minute massage

Ashlee Hayden - Family photography package

Whole Family Wellness - Free New Patient Acupuncture visit

Whole Heart Photography - 2 mini photo sessions with 10 images

Milestone Mommy and Me - Milestone Mommy and Me class series

Dr. Rachel Hamel - New patient chiropractic exam and treatment

Voila Montessori - A Montessori Personalized Home Assessment

Nourish Medical Center - New Patient Consult

Nursing Noah - Teething necklace

Belmont Park - 4 unlimited ride tickets

Amorini - Silver Nipple Soothers

Glamourmom - Nursing tanks

Baby Garten Studio - Free baby sign class series

Songbirds Music - Music class gift certificate

Madri Collection - Tunic nursing top

Mamas and Milk - 5-pass yoga series

Sacred Healing Collective - set of lactation tea and a relaxing herbal bath soak tea blend

If you are unable to attend the Big Latch On this year, but would still like to donate to the SDBFC Foundation, you may do so through our website at anytime.  You can also choose us as your charitable recipient through Amazon smile.  Just one click and .5% of every Amazon purchase you make will be donated to our Foundation!

Meet the Sponsors of the San Diego Big Latch On 2018!

Grateful.  Honored. Humbled.  These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think about the support system we have in San Diego for breastfeeding families.  When we started the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation in 2016, we had no idea how we would fund our nonprofit. We just knew that we had to start minimizing barriers that prevented low-income families from accessing critical breastfeeding support.  We hit up our friends and family, who graciously donated enough money to get us started. Going forward, colleagues (many in the birth and postpartum community), patients, passionate breastfeeding families, and local businesses have joined to support our cause.  To date, we have offered 141 reduced-rate breastfeeding consultations and there is no way that we could have ever gotten this far without our community’s support.

Which takes me to our sponsors of this year’s Big Latch On event.  This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year and these sponsors have helped us already raise $2500, which is halfway to our event goal!  So, it is my extreme pleasure to introduce you to this year’s Big Latch On sponsors.

 

Co-Sponsor: Kid Ventures

‘Kid Ventures is leading the way in children’s enrichment and “edutainment” which is evident from the moment you step foot inside our warm and inviting Kid Ventures facilities. From the friendly and caring greeting provided by our team to the highly engaging, entertaining and educational activities & STEAM classes facilitated by our very own “Edutainment Coordinator”, your visit will be an enriching and memorable experience. With so much to discover, our focus is help children develop a life-long love of learning and creative exploration through fulfilling many social, physical and emotional needs.  

We are so excited to be co-hosting the Big Latch on this year because we are a home away from home for so many new moms and families providing a safe and comfortable environment to nurture and grow.  We're also lucky to be located at one of San Diego's most vibrant and family-friendly neighborhoods--Liberty Station--which makes it the perfect location for the Big Latch On.'
 

Diamond Sponsor: Future Generations

‘Future Generations is one of the top clinical chiropractic practices in the country. Our focus is three main areas of life: preconception, pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic care. Our patients come to us because of our level of commitment and accountability to their health improvements. This is possible because we focus on Corrective care (fixing the problems) so that their ultimate goal is wellness care (ensuring their health).  We envision an empowered community who have full confidence in their ability to self-heal. We see our role in the community to grow as our patients continue to be a beacon for what’s possible with health and healing.

We're so ecstatic to be a part of The Big Latch on again because we know the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation is changing the world by empowering and educating women, and by helping normalize breastfeeding.’

Diamond Sponsor: Little Star Pediatric Dentistry

‘We are a pediatric dental office that takes an innovative, comprehensive and compassionate to providing care to children of all ages and abilities.  As a pediatric dentist, I have the opportunity to use my skills, to make each child feel secure and comfortable in their dental home. My practice philosophy is to provide the same care that I would want my own child to receive.  I believe patient and parent education to be of utmost importance.’ - Dr. Najmeh Hannanvash

Platinum Sponsor: Nature’s Whisper Yoga

‘Nature's Whisper is the guiding force for new families in San Diego. We offer classes and workshops to balance the mind, body and soul in your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey. From yoga, mom and babe classes, breastfeeding, postpartum support to core classes, we have it all. We invite you into the Nature's Whisper Hive. At Nature's Whisper we understand the journey breastfeeding can take you on. We support you from day one and love every opportunity we are given to educate and provide a welcome space for you to find your way on this journey. Having the opportunity to meet with you in person outside of the big tech world is the biggest reason we are so excited to be out here with you at The Big Latch On!’  

Platinum Sponsor: Gymboree

‘Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 40 years. Today there are over 700 locations in 40+ countries, making us the global leader in early childhood development programs. Designed by experts in both education and in play, our age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. Our programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development.   

Our class curriculum is developed by our experienced child development program directors and incorporate a balanced whole-child approach with activities to support what your child is mastering right now and what he or she will aspire to later. Classes are designed in 6-month increments to continue to meet a child’s growing interests and abilities. From birth to age 5, there’s always something special awaiting you and your child at Gymboree Play & Music.’

Gold Sponsor: Sakura Bloom

CRAFTED IN CALIFORNIA

Small batch, ethical production.

The softest hand-dyed linens, hand-loomed silks, coziest bamboos, and locally tanned leathers.

Newborns. Toddlers.

On your front. On your back.

Three carrier styles, covering every stage. 7-45lb.

Gold Sponsor: Dairy Fairy

'Mommy-ing is hard. So many tasks to juggle but nourishing your little one should not feel like a chore.  Providing breastmilk (from the bottle or the breast) is easier and more attractive in our magical bras. All-in-one Nursing and Handsfree Pumping bras, in an assortment of styles that are beautiful, comfortable, and functional.  So your bra can multi-task as much as you do.'

Gold Sponsor: Center for Better Beginnings at UC San Diego

'The Center for Better Beginnings at UC San Diego is dedicated to improving maternal health and child development, with a focus on better understanding, preventing, and treating birth defects. Only in partnership with moms, dads, health care providers, and community leaders can we improve the health of our future generations. Our Center acts as a central hub to bring these key players together. Our focus is on a woman’s health before she becomes pregnant, during pregnancy and childbirth, and during lactation to explore how maternal and other environmental exposures impact a baby’s development.

The Center for Better Beginnings at UC San Diego is excited to be a part of this year’s Big Latch On event at Liberty Station! We are looking forward meeting all the amazing breastfeeding moms who will take part in attempting to break a world record! Stop by our Center’s booth to learn about our no-cost services aimed at supporting moms in their journey toward healthy, happy babies!'

Silver Sponsor: Best Start Birth Center

'Best Start provides a space where the beauty of natural birth can be experienced. Natural (physiologic) birth with a midwife provides good outcomes with a low rate of cesarean section, high rate of successful breastfeeding, low rate of interventions and satisfied, informed, and empowered moms and families. A beautiful memory for mom and her dear ones. Best Start Birth Center has been a model of good outcomes for decades and expects to provide this option to San Diego into the future. Good short and long term outcomes reduce the costs of childbirth thus giving a direct financial benefit to the community as well as enhancing family life.'

Silver Sponsor: Becoming Peaceful

'Becoming Peaceful is so honored to be a continuing sponsor for San Diego Breastfeeding Center’s The Big Latch On 2018. Lisa Howe, MSW, of Becoming Peaceful provides peaceful parenting workshops and one-on-one private parenting coaching to help parents become their best selves. Parenting, just like breastfeeding, can be so hard and so isolating. Reaching out for support helps each of us learn from one another and grow into the parents we want to be. Lisa received support and services from the San Diego Breastfeeding Center when her daughter was born and is grateful for the opportunity to assist other women in receiving that much needed support.'