Where's The Chocolate Milk, Part 3 (Conclusion)
Where to Find Help and Support
Groups like La Leche League and Breastfeeding USA would be a great place to start (I personally belong to their online groups) but in person the groups tend to cater to the typical white, stay at home mom( I'm usually the only Black mom), and I've yet to find a space that uniquely identifies the challenges of the Black community (edited to add: I DID learn of 2 such groups, but I've yet to be able to make a meeting, one in DC and one in PG. Info below). My greatest connections have come from my online Black moms groups, specifically Breastfeeding Support for Black Moms, the private support network of the Black Women Do Breastfeed campaign. Had it not been for those ladies, I too might have fallen for one of the myths that's killed so many breastfeeding relationships. But here is a non-comprehensive list of resources both in and near Prince Georges County, Maryland that cater to breastfeeding, baby wearing, and general mom support. Some of these practices, groups, and individuals I've had the pleasure to meet and utilize, others come highly recommended via the web or person.[disclaimer: Any programs or services in PG Co. not on this list is by oversight, please leave a comment or message so I can research the organization and add them to this list. This list is by no means finite.*]
Prince Georges County:
WIC:
Various Locations
https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/2036/Women-Infants-Children-WIC
Breastfeeding peer counselors are available M-F at all locations at 11 and 3:30
Breastfeeding peer counselors are available M-F at all locations at 11 and 3:30
Crowned and Cradled
Full service Doula and Lactation Support, Upper Marlboro
Owned by a BLACK RN- IBCLC!! Offers a breastfeeding support group, verifying the dates and locations. Contact directly for info for now.
Prima Postpartum Services
Postpartum care and support, Bowie
Hosts babywearing events in Bowie and Annapolis! Great way to meet other breastfeeding moms too.
Doulas of Prince Georges County
Birth and Postpartum care with Lactation Support
Montgomery County:
The Lactation Room
Lactation Services run by board certified IBCLC, Kensingtonhttps://lactationroom.com/
Some of these ladies are the LC's for the Holy Cross network of hospitals. If delivering here, they may be worth contacting. Offers hospital grade pump rentals
Breastfeeding Center of Maryland
Partner practice of Children's First Pediatrics, Rockville
https://www.breastfeedingcenterofmd.com/
Metropolitan Breastfeeding
Lactation services by board certified IBCLCs, Bethesda/ Columbia
https://metropolitanbreastfeeding.com/
Next to my old office, BCGW, this office seems to be the most full service. They accept several insurances, offer hospital grade pump rentals, office and home visits, retail offerings, and are part of the NY Milk Bank Network of HMBANA (donor milk)
Holy Cross Hospital
L&D support, classes, telephone hotline, and support group, Silver Spring and Germantown
http://www.holycrosshealth.org/breastfeeding
Support group facilitated by Breastfeeding USA at the SS campus:
http://holycross.drsreferralservice.com/p-62-breastfeeding-support-group.aspx
Warm Line for real time help:
301-557-6097 (Ger)
Anne Arundel County
AAMC
L&D support, classes, telephone hotline, and support group, Parole
http://living.aahs.org/category/childrens-health/breastfeeding-resources/
Support Groups:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/birth-amp-baby-support-8025699370
Warm Line:
443-481-6977
Washington, DC
The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington
Lactation services by board certified IBCLCs, Northwest DC
http://breastfeedingcenter.org/
The clinic that saved my breastfeeding journey, they are full service- offering support groups, classes, in home and office consulations; as well as a boutique offering pump rentals, pump accessories, bras, babywearing gear, baby gear and nursing wear. Part of the Milk Bank of Austin network for HMBANA, which processes donor milk for preterm NICU infants, as well as running the Center's Milk Connection, a similar donor milk program for families in need.
Mamatoto Village
Perinatal through postpartum support center, Northeast DC
http://www.mamatotovillage.org/
I WISH I knew about this place when I was pregnant, as they cater specifically to women of color. They have childbirth education, family resources, birthworker/ doula services, lactation services, support groups, prenatal support care, and offer birthwork and lactation training as part of an initiative to bring these supports back into the Black community.
BreastfeedingInColor
Educational support for breastfeeding and babywearing, Northwest/ Southeast DC
https://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingincolor/
I met Isreal at a babywearing meet and she is really one of the most down to earth, open minded persons you'll ever meet. She really desires to truly educate you on things at the simplest level, and to see Black DC moms succeed, often pulling from her own experiences. Hosts a monthly support group at the Breastfeeding Center.
LaLeche League
Meets in various locations in the area.
Closest groups meet in Annapolis, DC, or Takoma Park
http://www.lllofmd-de-dc.org/Groups.html
Facebook Groups
Breastfeeding Support for Black Moms
Theeeeese women are the truth. A non hand holding bunch, they truly helped me learn more about myself and my baby than I ever got from a class. The admins live, eat, breathe breastfeeding; and encourage members that YOU CAN DO THIS, stay committed to the course, or as the group mantra goes, #relaxandnurseon. Private, new members added Mondays and Thursdays, Black moms only.The Melanin Mama
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMelaninMama/
An equally lively group, this one veers more into natural/ positive parenting overall, but with emphasis on breastfeeding, cloth diapering, holistic healing and delayed/ anti- vaccination. Private, Natural parenting, Black moms only.
DMV Breastfeeding Mamas
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1510017909213126/
Outreach and support group for breastfeeding moms in the DC metro area. This one is nice because its 1. specifically local moms 2. doesn't get bogged down with some of the shenanigans in the other two (which is to be expected, and is entertaining). Postings are usually helpful reads or announcements of events in the area.
Milk Banks
HMBANA Banks
Reputable milk banks are usually partnered with the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). Milk donated to these organizations have gone through thorough mother screening, including blood tests, to ensure quality and safety. This is milk typically seen in baby- friendly NICU'S, milk should be supplement and medicine free as to not further compromise sick and preterm infants weak immune systems. It's Pasteurized and bottled for recipients use. Metropolitan Breastfeeding and The Breastfeeding Center are local depots for such donations in the DMV.
Informal Banks
Breastmilk Donations for Black Mothers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BreastmilkDonationforBlackMoms/
This FUBU group was started by 2 moms in my FB group who wanted to make sure our brown babies got liquid gold no matter what. Since its a private group and I don't need their services, and produce just enough for my baby, you'll need to request to join to view their full guidelines.
Breastfeeding Center Milk Connection
http://breastfeedingcenter.org/breastfeeding-center-milk-connection/
Run by the Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, they recieve donor milk using screens similar to HMBANA, but to keep donations cheaper and efficient, they do not test, pasteurize, and pool the milk like HMBANA banks (so ok for full term, healthy infants, but I would not request for a preemie or immuno-compromised baby.)
Human Milk 4 Human Babies (HM4HB)
http://hm4hb.net/
DC/ MD group- https://www.facebook.com/HM4HBMD/
Informal community based milk sharing. Moms use social media to screen and meet with other moms for milk donation. Some women develop deep personal relationships from these arrangements. Agreements may also include reimbursements for pumping supplies. Eats on Feets is another like organization, but for the sake of urgency the HM4HB page has more activity, but feel free to check out both. [disclaimer: Use your own discretion when responding to moms.]
Other important info:
Drugs and alcohol interaction:
LactMed @NIH:
https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/newtoxnet/lactmed.htm
App also available on app stores, my go- to for quick "can I take this drug?" questions (Pro tip: stay away from decongestants)
Infant Risk Center:
https://www.infantrisk.com/
(806) 352-2519 Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm CT
Leading info on drug interactions in mom and baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. App also available on app stores, search "mommymeds"
Oy. It didn't seem like much plotting this out, but as you can see there IS help if you want to look for it. Wishing all of you the best! #relaxandnurseon.
*The businesses and pages featured on this blog were done so of my own free will and research. I have not been compensated for my reviews, and the reviews are mine and mine alone. Links posted are for informational purposes only. Use at your own discretion.
Breastmilk Donations for Black Mothers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BreastmilkDonationforBlackMoms/
This FUBU group was started by 2 moms in my FB group who wanted to make sure our brown babies got liquid gold no matter what. Since its a private group and I don't need their services, and produce just enough for my baby, you'll need to request to join to view their full guidelines.
Breastfeeding Center Milk Connection
http://breastfeedingcenter.org/breastfeeding-center-milk-connection/
Run by the Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, they recieve donor milk using screens similar to HMBANA, but to keep donations cheaper and efficient, they do not test, pasteurize, and pool the milk like HMBANA banks (so ok for full term, healthy infants, but I would not request for a preemie or immuno-compromised baby.)
Human Milk 4 Human Babies (HM4HB)
http://hm4hb.net/
DC/ MD group- https://www.facebook.com/HM4HBMD/
Informal community based milk sharing. Moms use social media to screen and meet with other moms for milk donation. Some women develop deep personal relationships from these arrangements. Agreements may also include reimbursements for pumping supplies. Eats on Feets is another like organization, but for the sake of urgency the HM4HB page has more activity, but feel free to check out both. [disclaimer: Use your own discretion when responding to moms.]
Other important info:
Drugs and alcohol interaction:
LactMed @NIH:
https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/newtoxnet/lactmed.htm
App also available on app stores, my go- to for quick "can I take this drug?" questions (Pro tip: stay away from decongestants)
Infant Risk Center:
https://www.infantrisk.com/
(806) 352-2519 Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm CT
Leading info on drug interactions in mom and baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. App also available on app stores, search "mommymeds"
Oy. It didn't seem like much plotting this out, but as you can see there IS help if you want to look for it. Wishing all of you the best! #relaxandnurseon.
 |
| Nugget, 10 months |
*The businesses and pages featured on this blog were done so of my own free will and research. I have not been compensated for my reviews, and the reviews are mine and mine alone. Links posted are for informational purposes only. Use at your own discretion.
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