Bottle Feeding the Breastfed Baby FAQs
Bottlefeeding a breastfed baby can feel completely overwhelming. But with our lactation consultant tips, it doesn’t have to be! Explore all our bottle-feeding advice.
Did you know that lactation consultants not only help with breastfeeding, but can also help with bottle feeding? It’s true! We are here to offer guidance with all aspects of feeding (introducing solids, as well!) and know a ton about bottles and how to balance them with breastfeeding.
Questions about bottle feeding come up in many of our private consults, as well as in our private Facebook Group (for those who purchased our online course: Breastfeeding for the Working Family.) So, we figured we would write a blog article answering some of the most frequently asked questions. So, here you go…..
When is the best time to introduce a bottle?
Ideally, the best time to introduce a bottle is after your baby has mastered the art of breastfeeding. There is a window of opportunity when your baby is between 3-6 weeks old where he/she still has an innate sucking reflex and is more willing to try a bottle. Once babies reach 10-12 weeks, that innate sucking reflex goes away (or is integrated) which can make introducing a bottle more difficult at this time.
Sometimes bottles are introduced earlier than 3 weeks, due to baby not breastfeeding well or baby not gaining weight well. This DOES NOT mean your breastfeeding journey has been sabotaged! It might make breastfeeding a bit more challenging, as bottles are much easier to feed from than the breast, but you probably introduced the bottle earlier than 3 weeks BECAUSE you were having breastfeeding challenges, right? So, definitely meet with an IBCLC to remedy those breastfeeding challenges, but please know that not all breastfeeding-hope is lost just because you offered a bottle to your infant before 3 weeks.
How should I choose a bottle and bottle nipple?
Many bottles out there say that they are ‘similar to the breast.’ Don’t be fooled by their marketing. Truthfully, there are no bottle that are similar to the breast. If you haven’t noticed, our human nipples are all different shapes and sizes and no bottle nipple is stretchy like a woman’s areola and expands like a woman’s nipple when breastfeeding. So start with choosing a bottle that helps your baby achieve a wide latch and choose the slow flow nipple of that brand.
Are all slow-flow nipples the same?
Nope! Each bottle brand has its own slow flow nipple, but some ‘slow flow’ nipples flow really slow and some flow really fast. You will want to see how your baby reacts to the flow to determine if it is the right flow for your baby. PS. Those bottle nipples given out in the NICU or postpartum floor ARE NOT slow flowing, even though they say they are. They flow really fast, which is why your 3 day old is able to suck down 2oz in 5 minutes, which is way too much and way too fast.
How will I know if the bottle flow is too fast or too slow for my baby?
If the bottle flow is too fast for your baby, he/she will look panicked! Eye bugging out. Hands splayed. He/she might choke or spill milk out of the sides of her/his mouth. He/she might be really gassy after finishing the bottle. If this happens, you will definitely want to either try a slower flow nipple for that bottle brand or try a completely different bottle brand.
If the bottle nipple is too slow, your baby might get really frustrated when bottle feeding and it might take over 30 minutes to finish the bottle….way too long!
Bottle feeding should take about 15-20 minutes for the first few weeks to months. Once breastfeeding is established and going well, then bottle feeding might speed up to faster than 15 minutes.
What is paced bottle feeding and why it is important?
Paced bottle feeding, or baby-led bottle feeding, is a feeding method that allows your baby to be in charge of his/her feeding. This means, when your baby sucks, he/she gets food. When he/she pauses, no food is released from the bottle. Your baby is seated in an upright position and the bottle is held horizontally. This is super important in those first few weeks of bottle feeding because we want the pace of the bottle to mimic the pace of milk at the breast. We don’t want bottle feeding to be so much easier than breastfeeding that your baby starts to prefer the bottle over your breast. Also, baby-led bottle feeding also keeps your baby from overeating. This is important for all caregivers to know, which is why we created a YouTube video all about Paced (Baby-Led) Bottle feeding. Share with everyone who bottle feeds your baby!
If I am breastfeeding, am I able to offer a bottle, as well?
Yes! If you have a partner or spouse who can offer the bottle while you pump, take advantage of this! It’s just one less thing you have to do! But if you are in charge of all of your baby’s feeding sessions, then feel free to offer a bottle in place of a breastfeeding session to help him/her practice bottle feeding.
When do I need to change the bottle nipple to the next size up?
Probably never! Really! Sure, you might want to replace the bottle nipple with a fresh, new one every few months, but as long as your baby is happy with the flow and taking the bottle in a normal amount of time (remember…. Somewhere between 10-20 minutes, depending on his/her age), then there is no reason to go up a level. You could stick with the 0-3 month bottle nipple the entire first year. Essentially, if your baby is happy with the flow, stick with it!
How much milk should I put in each bottle?
One way to figure this out is to go to a breastfeeding support group and weigh your baby before and after a breastfeeding session. That’s a great amount to leave in the bottle. Otherwise, most babies in the first 3-6 weeks take about 2-3oz per bottle. Babies above 10lbs need about an ounce an hour, in general. This increases slightly as your baby continues to gain weight. Babies above 13lbs need about 30-32oz per 24 hours, so divide that by the number of feedings per day and there is your answer for how much your baby needs per bottle.
If I am returning to work, how often should I practice the bottle with my baby?
Ideally, you would introduce the bottle by the time your baby is 6 weeks old. Then, offer the bottle a few times a week, just to keep practicing, so that when you return to work your baby is familiar with this additional way of getting food.
What if my baby won’t take a bottle?
First, check out our article: Help! My Baby Won’t Take a Bottle. Give these tricks about 1 week ONLY! If your baby rejects the bottle for a full week, then is it time to meet with an IBCLC to figure out why your sweet babe is refusing the bottle. Bottle refusal can happen for many reasons: baby doesn’t like a particular bottle, baby has a high palate, baby has a tongue tie, etc. Stop struggling and let us help you figure this out!
So what additional questions do you have about bottle feeding? Share them here and we will add them to this article!
It's the Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway 2019!!!
The theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2019 is Empower Parents: Enable Breastfeeding. According to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action - “Empowerment is a process that requires evidence-based unbiased information and support to create the enabling environment where mothers can breastfeed optimally. Breastfeeding is in the mother’s domain and when fathers, partners, families, workplaces, and communities support her, breastfeeding improves.” Well, we couldn’t agree more! Here at the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and The Badass Breastfeeder, our goal is to provide judgment-free breastfeeding support so that breastfeeding and pumping families can provide as much breast milk to their children as possible and reach their personal breastfeeding/pumping goals. We also love to partner with wonderful companies that do all that they can to support, guide, and protect a family’s ability to meet their personal breastfeeding/pumping goals.
To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2019, 11 breastfeeding and pumping-supportive companies have donated items for an enormous Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Prize Package, valued at over $2000! First we’d like to introduce you to the co-hosts of the 2019 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week giveaway. Then, we’ll share all of the goodies that have been so graciously donated.
Your hosts:
San Diego Breastfeeding Center: A judgment-free online and in-person resource for evidence-based breastfeeding information and personalized assistance for parents 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 local families with financial need. In 2018, Robin published her first book, Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage and just last month released her first online course, Breastfeeding for the Working Family, a step-by-step course to help breastfeeding parents prepare for a seamless transition back to work and meet their personal breastfeeding goals DESPITE returning to work.
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 2019 Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Giveaway
You may enter the giveaway from August 1, 2019 - August 8, 2019. On August 8, 2019, we will announce 1 lucky winner of the Ultimate World Breastfeeding Week Prize Package. Winners must live in the United States or Canada.
NOW Check out the Prizes!
One Breastfeeding for the Working Family online course. Protect your breastfeeding relationship (and your milk supply) DESPITE returning to work! This step-by-step course will prepare you for a seamless transition back to work.
One Ruby All In One Nursing and Handsfree Pumping Bra from Dairy Fairy. A feminine and functional bra that’s supermodel worthy and super mom functional.
One Explore Baby Carrier - “Splash” by Baby Tula. The Tula Explore Carriers offers all the features you and baby need: variable width settings for use with newborns to toddlers, adjustability perfect for nursing while baby is in your carrier, and multiple carry positions including forward-facing and back carry.
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!
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 $25 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.
LatchPal and a Little Zip Pocket Blanket from LatchPal. LatchPal® is an Award Winning Breastfeeding Clip that holds up any shirt, for a nursing top in seconds. The patented one-handed fastening method makes it easy to for a mom to breastfeed (or pump ) in comfort., without neck strain or distractions.
Set of Visy bras and BusyTabsfrom 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.
One Gemma Nursing Top from Teat and Cosset. The Gemma tee is our best selling top for nursing moms because the flattering & functional V design in the front hides zippers for easy & discrete nursing & pumping. Moms can now nurse their babies AND feel confident at the same time.
5 Breastfeeding Myths and Misconceptions that Really Annoy the Heck Out of Us!
How many times have you heard a so-called breastfeeding ‘fact’ from a family member, friend, healthcare professional, or online resource that has your ‘mama-radar’ going off at warp speed? Maybe something just doesn’t sound right. Maybe it goes against all of your breastfeeding instincts. Maybe it is completely contradictory to what you heard the previous day. Well, it’s time to start busting those myths and misconceptions!
World Breastfeeding Week 2019 begins in a few days and this year’s theme is all about empowering breastfeeding families. We couldn’t think of a better way to empower breastfeeding families than by providing real facts to some of the most common breastfeeding myths/misconceptions! We will also be chatting about additional breastfeeding misconceptions on Baby Tula’s Facebook Live on August 2, 2019 at 10am PST, so definitely join us that day!
So, here we go…..
Myth #1: When pregnant, you should rough up your nipples to prepare them for breastfeeding.
Ok, so who thought up this ridiculous idea??? Why would we ever think that "roughing up" our nipples by rubbing them with a towel was a good recommendation. There is no need to cause nipple trauma and scabbing before your baby even arrives! In fact, rubbing your nipples can actually remove the protective substances produced by the breast during pregnancy and afterwards. Sure, your nipples may feel sensitive for those first few days to weeks, but with a great latch, they will become less sensitive over time, all on their own. No need to do anything to prepare them prior to your baby being born.
Myth #2: If your baby feeds more than every 2-3 hours, then he/she is not getting enough.
So, this statement is a little complicated. Sometimes, this can be true, especially if your baby is not gaining weight well and feeding every hour throughout the day and night. This situation might indicate that your baby might not be getting enough milk and your milk supply/baby milk transfer should be assessed.
Typical baby behavior is feeding about 8-12 times per 24 hours, especially for the first few months. Remember, babies’ tummies are small, so they need frequent, small feedings. Some babies with reflux and tummy issues also like small, frequent feedings. There are also situations where babies temporarily feed more frequently, like during cluster feedings times (aka witching hours) and during growth spurts (which last a few days.) Cluster feeding often happens when your baby needs a bit more snuggling time to unwind from the day and growth spurts are nature’s way of requesting more milk for future feedings. So, these are totally normal situations when a baby would feed more frequently than every 2-3 hours and don’t indicate a low supply, at all.
Myth #3: Nursing beyond a year is just for mom’s benefit
So, let’s just think about this one for a second. Is there an on/off switch that makes breastmilk less valuable and nutritious on a baby’s first birthday? Does it suddenly lose all of its immunological properties? I think not. In fact, there are so many nutritional, social, mental, and physical benefits for breastfeeding beyond a year, as well as the fact that breastfeeding beyond a year is normal. Kellymom.com has incredible resources on this subject, so I will just share a few of my favorites:
According to Dewey (2001), in the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
29% of energy requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements
Immunities in mother’s milk continues as long as breastfeeding continues and some increase in concentration as the child gets older.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that “Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child… Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother… There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.” (AAP 2012, AAP 2005)
So, if you want to breastfeed for longer than a year, go for it! It is fantastic for both you and your child. What’s most important is the breastfeeding family’s goals for how long they want to breastfeed…. Not what others believe should be the goal!
Myth #4: Small breasts = small milk supply; Large breasts = large milk supply
As a lactation consultant, I see breasts of all shapes and sizes and this misconception could not be further from the truth. Milk supply is determined by the amount of glandular tissue you have in your breasts and how this fatty tissue expands and multiplies during pregnancy and after your baby is born. Milk supply also significantly depends on breast emptying after your baby is born…. The more you empty your breasts when feeding or pumping, the more signals are sent to your brain to produce more milk. The actual breast is just the vessel/container to hold the milk. So, a size DD breast can hold more milk at one time, compared to a size B breast, but may not necessarily differ in the amount of milk made over a 24 hour period.
Myth #5: If your baby is taking forever to transfer milk while breastfeeding, then you have a lazy baby
I don’t think there are many phrases I despise more than ‘lazy baby.’ Think about this…. Why would a baby choose to be lazy? Your baby’s only job is to feed to stay alive, therefore survival is based on being as robust a feeder possible. A baby who seems ‘lazy’ and takes over an hour (on average) to breastfeed is actually a baby having a difficult time breastfeeding. This could be caused by tethered oral tissue (tongue/lip tie), jaundice, using a nipple shield, prematurity, as well as many other reasons. So, babies who appear ‘lazy’ are often just doing the best that they can with the situation they’ve been dealt. And this is a fantastic reason to meet with an IBCLC to see how you can help your baby begin to feed more effectively and easily, as soon as possible!
So, what other breastfeeding myths and misconceptions absolutely drive you crazy?
Share them in the comments and we will do our best to remedy this misinformation in our interview on Baby Tula’s Facebook Live this week.
Boob Group Podcast Roundup - New Parent Support
Welcome to the Boob Group Podcast Roundup! As many of you know, Robin was the original host of the Boob Group podcast and hosted the first 112 episodes! There was so much amazing breastfeeding and pumping advice and research shared during those 2.5 years, so Robin has decided to reshare these episodes with all of you in a monthly roundup!
This month we are featuring 4 episodes that review the importance of support during breastfeeding and where you can turn to find that help.
Having a baby changes relationships we have with our partners, family, and friends. Obviously you don’t need a partner to have a baby, but having additional support during the postpartum period, and especially on our breastfeeding journey, is crucial. They say “it takes a village” to raise a baby, but with modern society and many of us living far from home, it can leave us feeling pretty isolated.
In these episodes, we discussed ways to ask for help and find support from a variety of local and online resources! For those of us with partners, it’s crucial for them to know how important they are in making our breastfeeding experience both positive and successful. We need not only cheerleaders, but people who will relieve us of stress and know how to assist us each step of the way. On top of that, we also need to be connected with other breastfeeding parents who are going through similar experiences! We’ll review the multiple ways to find a new mom community - whether it’s through an online forum, a local support group, or a facebook page for breastfeeding mamas.
We’ll talk about how to find a group that best suits your needs, what expectations you can have before joining, and the amazing benefits of connecting with other new parents. We hope to inspire you to reach out and find your support because we are all right there with you!
And… here are the podcast episodes!
https://parentsondemand.com/podcasts/the-boob-group/seeking-support-from-breastfeeding-moms-online/
https://parentsondemand.com/podcasts/the-boob-group/breastfeeding-support-local-and-online/
https://parentsondemand.com/podcasts/the-boob-group/partner-support-with-project-breastfeeding/
Want more resources to learn about how to get more breastfeeding support? Please use the additional ones below.
San Diego Big Latch On 2019 T-shirts are ON SALE!
Who wants an awesome Big Latch On 2019 T-Shirt???
We are so excited to partner up with Heart and Soul Printing, one of our favorite local designers and screenprinters, to offer you a San Diego Big Latch On 2019 t-shirt or tank top.
Each t-shirt costs $25 (plus sales tax and S&H) and will only be on sale from August 12-19, 2019 so don’t miss your opportunity to have one of the most adorable event t-shirts out there!
*** Shirts will only be shipped. You will not be able to pick up your shirt at the San Diego Breastfeeding Center.
All proceeds will be donated to the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation to help pay for lactation consultations for local low-income families.
Ready to see the awesome T-shirts????
HEATHER GRAY LADIES CREW T-SHIRT - AVAILABLE IN S, M, L, XL, 2XL
NAVY BLUE LADIES RACERBACK TANK - AVAILABLE IN XS, S, M, L, XL, AND 2XL
SEA GREEN LADIES SLOUCHY TANK - AVAILABLE IN S, M, L, XL, 2XL (RUNS A LITTLE BIG)
For more details about the Big Latch On Event, check out our FB event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/347252742653283/
As well as our blog:
Meet SDBFC's Newest Lactation Consultant - Ashley Tehrani!
We are so thrilled to introduce you to our newest lactation consultant at SDBFC! Ashley Tehrani joined our team in September 2017, as our Wednesday Breastfeeding Support Group leader and our Social Media Coordinator. After over a year of clinical hours and course work, Ashley is now ready to see her own patients at SDBFC and we couldn’t be more excited! We can't wait for you all to meet her!
Ashley, tell us about yourself!
I grew up in Southern California and moved to San Diego to attend SDSU in 2008. I enjoy playing beach volleyball, fastpitch softball, hiking, reading and a good television show. I love to travel and hope to visit more spots within the U.S in the coming years. I had my daughter in 2015 and was introduced to the amazing community surrounding conception, birthing and postpartum that we have in San Diego.
What inspired you to become a lactation consultant?
The birth of my daughter definitely thrust me into this passion for supporting breastfeeding/lactating families. I had no idea the changes, challenges, happy moments and sad moments that being pregnant and becoming a parent would bring. I am so thankful to have had expert lactation support while in the hospital when my daughter was born, and for being directed by online support groups to the San Diego Breastfeeding Center for when I needed help later on. I was fortunate to be able to stay home with my daughter for the first few years, but found myself wanting to begin working again. The birth of my daughter and many encouraging friends and family helped me to begin my slow progression towards becoming an IBCLC.
What are you most excited about working with SDBFC?
I am excited to join a group of practitioners who are highly trained and well versed in breastfeeding and in supporting families. I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to learning from these amazing IBCLCs and from the amazing families I will work with. I look forward to helping new families navigate breastfeeding and parenthood.
What are you top 3 tips for a brand new breastfeeding family?
While pregnant, go to breastfeeding support groups (especially if you’ve never really seen people breastfeed), visit with an IBCLC prior to having baby, have an appointment with an IBCLC booked for a week or so after baby is born, bring your partner or support person along for all of this – they will likely be the one there most while you are breastfeeding in the early weeks giving you encouragement and support.
Ask for, and or accept offered help (breastfeeding or not, new to parenthood or ‘old pros’…help is essential). This was a personal struggle I dealt with early on and still do at times. If you want/need help, there is no shame in asking for it and no shame it putting boundaries around that help (i.e yes, you can bring over a meal for us, but we are trying to settle in so please leave it on the porch).
If you have challenges with breastfeeding in the beginning it is helpful to remember that this won’t be forever and that you and baby are new to this and learning together.
Welcome to the SDBFC team, Ashley!
Our Biggest Announcement in Years!
Explore our first online course, “Breastfeeding for the Working Family,” and get ready to go back to work after maternity, including our best resources for pumping.
When I think about my own Going Back to Work experience, as well as our lactation clients’ experiences, there are some common themes and emotions that come top of mind.
Feelings of overwhelm and stress while preparing for this transition. How can I get my baby, my baby’s caregiver, and my supervisor all on the same page?
Anxiety about our milk supplies decreasing. How is my pump going to keep up my milk supply? How will I find time to pump?
Worry that our children are going to be overfed by their caregivers. How much milk should I leave for my baby and how can I convince our caregiver that this is the correct amount?
Concern about managing work life and family life (balance never really happens, right?) How will I be able to do it all?
But, when I look even deeper into where those emotions are coming from, I believe that they are coming from this......
We just spent the past weeks and months tirelessly establishing and nurturing a breastfeeding relationship with our child that we now might lose control over!
And the fear that going back to work will sabotage our ability to reach our personal breastfeeding goals scares the hell out of us.
We feel like we have lost control over our breastfeeding relationship.
This is the thing, though…. You have the ability to retain control. It is all in how you prepare for this transition in your overall journey.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
This is exactly why I created an easy-to-follow process to prepare yourself, your pump, your baby, your baby’s caregiver, and your supervisor for a smooth transition where you remain in control of your breastfeeding relationship!
We are so excited to announce SDBFC's first online course, Breastfeeding for the Working Family! This is the easiest, most comprehensive step-by-step course to prepare everyone for this transition back to work.
With the purchase of this online course, you will receive:
14 short, info-loaded videos to watch at your leisure
6 customizable handouts
Access to our exclusive private FB group, where you can share all of your thoughts and advice with other pumping working parents, watch extra video content, and get special deals from our favorite product partners!
Weekly Live Q&As on our Facebook group, with a lactation consultant, to answer your burning questions (This might be my favorite part of the whole course!)
I want you to imagine how amazing it will feel to meet your personal breastfeeding/pumping goals, despite going back to work.
Ready to make this happen?
For more information about the course, check out our online course page
How to purchase the course RIGHT NOW:
In honor of our online course launch, you may use this coupon code (COURSELAUNCH20) to receive $20 off your purchase! This deal lasts only until June 30, 2019.
I can’t wait to support you along this journey!
San Diego Big Latch On Event 2019 - WHO'S READY???
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Are you ready to find out the details for the Big Latch On San Diego 2019???
This year’s San Diego Big Latch On event is going to be our biggest and greatest one yet! Join the San Diego Breastfeeding Center, and our amazing co-hosts - Gymboree San Diego and Kindred Bravely, in a fun-filled event for the whole family! We are returning to Liberty Station, but this time we will be in the HUGE grassy area, next to the playground and bathrooms on Cushing Road. All participants will have exclusive, free access to on-site Gymboree classes, a yoga class, and a babywearing workshop. So, while you wait for the actual Latch On to occur, you can grab some coffee/breakfast at one of the many delicious restaurants, hang out in the playground, attend a class/workshop, peruse the vendor booths (you won’t want to miss these!), and bid on our awesome opportunity drawing items!
If you are a new to the breastfeeding world, you might be wondering what the heck is the Big Latch On? The Big Latch On, is an event that started in New Zealand in 2005 during World Breastfeeding Week. The mission of the Big Latch On is to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding women and each year groups of breastfeeding women come together at locations all around the world to latch on their children at a designated time and day in honor of this mission and to attempt to set a new record! Our Big Latch On event will also serve as a major fundraiser for our non-profit organization, the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation.
Here are the preliminary details. We will begin to share more about the event over the next few weeks!
When is the Big Latch On?
The Big Latch On event will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 8:30am-noon. The actual Latch On (children latching on to set a world record) will take place at exactly 10:30am, so don’t be late!
Where will the Big Latch On take place?
Liberty Station Park in Point Loma, right next to the playground/bathrooms on Cushing Road.
Is there a charge to participate?
Not at all! This event is totally FREE!
Can I bring my family or is this just for breastfeeding parents and child/ren?
This is a totally family-friendly event! There will be plenty of things to keep older children entertained, so bring them all!
Please stay tuned for registration and agenda details!
Wondering how you and your business can get involved?
Since the Big Latch On event is THE major fundraiser for our nonprofit organization, the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation, we rely heavily on event sponsors and opportunity drawing donations. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or have a service/item to donate for our opportunity drawing, please send an email to Robin Kaplan (robinkaplan@sdbfc.com)
Get Ready for the Biggest Breastfeeding Event in San Diego!
Board Position Opening for the SDBFC Foundation
Are you passionate about breastfeeding and want to make a difference in the lives of local breastfeeding families?
Do you feel frustrated with the way our healthcare system marginalizes and often provides unequal care for low-income families?
If you answered ‘yes’ to both of these questions, keep on reading!!!
The San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation is looking for a dynamic and creative person, who is passionate about resolving inequities in breastfeeding support, to join our board of directors for a 2-year term. This is a volunteer position.
San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation mission:
The mission of San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation (SDBFCF) is to reduce socioeconomic disparities in breastfeeding support by increasing access to qualified lactation consultants for low-income families. We do this by subsidizing free or reduced-fee breastfeeding consultations and classes to low-income and financially-limited families.
Board Member Roles:
Attend about two 2-hour board meetings per year
Attend our Big Latch On event during World Breastfeeding Week, the first week of August.
Help fundraise during our end-of-the-year email fundraising campaign
Provide creative ideas for community collaborations and fundraising campaigns/events
Assist with small tasks throughout the year that support/foster donor relations and solicit new donors
Available to respond to emails within 24 hours
Qualifications:
Passionate about breastfeeding and supporting breastfeeding families
Passionate about resolving inequities in the healthcare system
Availability to attend board meetings during business hours a few times per year
Natural ability to cultivate relationships
Willingness to fundraise within your own social circle, as well as through social media
Willingness to create and share new ideas for fundraising and community collaborations.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Robin Kaplan, board president, by April 22, 2019. sdbfcfoundation@gmail.com
Diaper Donation Drive to Support Refugee Families Resettling in San Diego
Written by Anna Choi, BS, IBCLC
When you think of having a baby, and the items that are an absolute MUST have, diapers are pretty close to the top of the list, second only to breastmilk or formula. Whether you choose to cloth diaper or use disposable diapers, you need something to cover that sweet baby’s bum! For families on a limited or fixed income, the cost of diapers can be very overwhelming. Since part of our mission at the San Diego Breastfeeding Center is to give back to our community, while working to grow a strong network of support for families in San Diego, we are excited to announce the details for our next diaper drive!
This year’s diaper drive will support refugee families who have resettled in San Diego, with diapers going to three organizations who make a hugely positive impact on the lives of refugee families: The International Rescue Committee of San Diego, The Syrian Community Network of San Diego, and Catholic Charities of San Diego. Having fled war, persecution, and poverty, these families need our support more than ever. During our last diaper drive, we collected more than 3,000 diapers for San Diego refugee families. This year, our goal is to collect 5,000 diapers! Our diaper drive will begin on Wednesday, April 3rd and end on Wednesday, May 1st.
To tell you a little more about the refugee families that will receive these diapers, here are a few words from Chris Williams, a Program Manager for Refugee Services in San Diego:
“We are currently working with a number of Haitian families that have recently arrived in San Diego and are in a very difficult situation. Haiti is often described as the poorest country in the western world, with more than half of the entire population living below the poverty line and a quarter living in extreme poverty - surviving on less than $1.25 per day. This, on top of devastating natural disasters over the past decade, has caused many Haitians to flee their homes in search of a better life.
The relatively few families that make it to San Diego typically only get here after years spent living in similarly bad conditions in South and/or Central America and have often been victimized by human traffickers and other malicious actors. They are granted admission to the U.S. on humanitarian grounds, and in the past they have been offered a limited amount of government support along with work authorization to help them get on their feet here. In recent months, the government stopped providing this support and stopped providing new families with the documents they need to work - which is unfortunate, because all of them want to work.
This leaves the families in a precarious situation, and many of them are staying in church shelters. They don't have access to public benefits like food stamps and Medi-Cal, though many of the women are pregnant or have recently given birth. We are working to support these families - and these babies - in a number of ways, though a great deal of help is still needed. Diapers aren't cheap and are always in short supply, though always very much needed.”
Having met many refugee families and spoken with resettlement workers, I can’t tell you enough how much these donations are appreciated and needed. All donations can be dropped off at our weekly Breastfeeding Support Group, held at our office in La Mesa {8325 University Ave La Mesa 91942}, every Wednesday from 11:30am-1pm. If you would like to donate diapers, but are unable to drop off during that time, please contact Anna Choi to schedule a drop off. We hope you will help us reach our goal and stand with us as we support the refugee women and mothers in our local community.