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By Dominique Graham “Breastfeeding Can Be Really Stressful, So I'm Trying To Stay Grounded In What's Important” : An Interview With Melissa Minaya, Parent Participant  Melissa Minaya, is a mother of two boys ages 3 and 9 weeks. She joined the Codman Square and Mattapan breastfeeding groups after experiencing problems nursing her newborn. Some of Melissa’s breastfeeding issues include trouble latching (attaching to the breast) and getting her 9-week old to stay attached. In our interview she also discusses conditions that interfered with her nursing journey including tongue tie and thrush. “Breastfeeding has to become more of an inclusive journey, so that mother’s feel okay when they may need to incorporate other things in their breastfeeding journey,” says Melissa. Supplementing with formula was one of those things. Melissa talks about using breastfeeding to build up her supply while using pumped milk and formula to give her breaks when she needs them. While acknowledging there are moms, “like the ones on TV that have no issues with breastfeeding and nursing every two to three hours,” Melissa also knows moms who breastfeed every 30 minutes. “It can be a really stressful experience, so I’m trying to make sure that I stay grounded in what’s the important thing -- and that’s that my baby is being fed.” Melissa attends multiple groups to support her in her breastfeeding journey and help her prepare for when she returns to work. Check out our interview to learn more about this amazing mom and hear her advice to new moms. Looking to join a local breastfeeding group or know a pregnant mom who may be interested. Check out the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition’s calendar to find a support group or baby cafe near you.
About the Author: Dominique is a Boston resident, breastfeeding supporter and blogger behind DommiesBlessed.
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I’ve learned that things have not really changed for people like myself - black women in the inner city: An Interview With Melody Lopez, Peer Counselor By Dominique Graham Are you a pregnant mother or recently had a baby and want to join the Mattapan Hugs and Play Group?
MONDAYS Mattapan Family and Community Engagement Hugs and Play Group Mattapan Library 1350 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan 10:30am - 12:30pm Jenny Weaver RN, IBCLC Vickey Siggers (617) 980-0970 Haitian Creole & French speaking Is Mattapan not convenient? Check out the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition’s calendar to find a support group or baby cafe near you About the Author: Dominique is a Boston resident, breastfeeding supporter and blogger behind DommiesBlessed.  “Let Us Love Up On Your Baby”: Meet Dominique Bellegarde from the Codman Square Health Center Baby Café Dominique Bellegarde is a mother of four, CLC (certified lactation counselor) and peer counselor at the Codman Square Health Center. She calls herself, “a woman of the community.” Which means she tries be involved in as many activities that empower parents and families. Dominique’s commitment to the community led her to the Baby Café. She believes the “Baby Café is the place to be” and refers to it as a “safe haven,” a place where families can address their breastfeeding concerns and/or just come to be around other people. During our interview, Dominique juggles nursing her own daughter and rocking another little boy who came to work with her that day [not shown due to permission issues]. After making sure both of the children were attended to, Dominique continued to talk about her work as a peer counselor. She encourages mothers to come to Baby Café to “show off [their] babies.” Even if they are tired, Dominique wants parents to relax, eat, talk and let others at the Baby Café “love up on [their] baby.” Dominique has personally seen the impact of parents sharing their issues with each other. She says they “feel comfortable… safe… and relaxed.” She gets excited talking about how she greets new families who come to the Baby Café.“It’s a celebration. You took the step to come out here and be around other people.” Dominique also describes some of the workshops that the Baby Café has had including infant massage, yoga and how to wrap your baby. Dominique ends the video encouraging moms, and especially dads who “might see breast“ to come join families at the Codman Square Health Center Baby Café. Thank you Dominique Bellegarde for your dedication to our community and families. If you are interested in joining the Codman Square Health Center Baby Café, check out the information below. MONDAYS Codman Square Health Center Baby Café 637 Washington Street, Dorchester Group Visit Room 2 5:00pm - 6:30pm Jenny Weaver RN, IBCLC (617) 414-4370 WEDNESDAYS Codman Square Health Center Baby Café 637 Washington Street, Dorchester Group Visit Room 2 2:00pm - 4:00pm Jenny Weaver RN, IBCLC (617) 414-4370 If you are not local to Codman Square, check out our calendar for a drop-in group near you. About the interviewer: Dominique Graham is a Boston resident, breastfeeding supporter and blogger behind DommiesBlessed. |
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