The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week. The Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition has organized a roster of interesting one-hour webinars. They’re all free! Register to partake of these whether you’re in Maine or someplace else.
The topics include Allergens in Mother’s Milk, Infant Sleep, Tongue Tie and Solo Lactating Parents. In addition, the National Breastfeeding Month honors the experiences of Indigenous, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders and Black families, featured each week. Read on to learn more about celebrating breastfeeding in August.
Monday August 1 12-1 pm
“Was it Something I Ate? Discovering and Addressing Potential Allergens in Mother’s Milk”
Jacqui Stevens, MS RDN, CLC Home Grown Nutrition, LLC
Ever wonder if your baby is acting fussy because of something you ate? Come learn from registered dietician nutritionist and CLC, Jacqui Stevens. She will discuss what types of allergies can present in infants; current myths related to allergies in breast milk, how proteins transfer to breast milk, and what elimination diets are all about. Jacqui has a wealth of knowledge- don’t miss this one!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/383744659607
Tuesday August 2 12-1 pm
Infant Sleep 101: “Opening Up the Shades to Baby Sleep Success.”
Jenna Marion, CPSC, CLC, REMedy Pediatric Sleep Coaching
Jenna Marion, is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Strategist and Certified Lactation Counselor. She will talk about the science of baby sleep, steps to independent sleep, supporting breastfeeding while sleeping safely, and setting realistic sleep expectations.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/383745612457
Wednesday August 3 12-1 pm
“Let’s Talk about Tongue Tie.” A panel discussion featuring five providers:
ENT: Dr. Stephen Maturo: Maine Medical Partners Otolaryngology
Pediatrician: Dr. Kelsey Watson, Kennebec Pediatrics
Lactation Consultant: Paula Norcott, IBCLC, Maine Mother + Company
Pediatric Dentist: Dr. Mike Dowling, Dirigo Dentistry
Osteopathic Medicine: Dr. David Keller, Hospital Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine PC
This is a unique opportunity to talk with five different experts about tongue-tie. They’ll share their experiences with assessing and treating tongue tie and/or feeding challenges associated with oral restrictions, share evidence that leads to their practice and decision-making, and discuss the challenges related to this (sometimes divisive) topic.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/383746033717
Thursday August 4 1:15-1:45 (Note different time). Monthly Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition meeting.
“Creating the Village: Empowering Solo Lactating Parents”
Hannah Lord & Bria McCray
We’ll hear stories about exclusively breastfeeding as a single, teen parent, about co-parenting while extended breastfeeding, and about exclusive pumping after surrogacy. We’ll learn how to support single teen parents, lactating parents who are co-parenting, and folks who are healing during the postpartum period without a partner while breastfeeding.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/383746565307
In addition, the United States Breastfeeding Coalition celebrates National Breastfeeding Month in August. Their program widens our perspectives on breastfeeding.
- Week 2: Indigenous Milk Medicine Week
- Theme: Strengthening Our Traditions From Birth and Beyond
- Week 3: Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week
- Theme: Telling Our Own Stories. Elevating Our Voices
- Week 4: Black Breastfeeding Week
- Theme: BBW 2022: 10 Years, A New Foundation
Celebrate in Maine, celebrate wherever you are. Celebrate and work together for healthier families.
