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Phoebe McIntosh Vital Village Networks Community Mobilization AmeriCorps VISTA  Building Bridges Through Empathy and Advocacy: Alecia’s Work in Lactation Support and Health Equity
Alecia (Lee) E.’s journey into lactation support began with a deep commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to families navigating childbirth and breastfeeding. With a background in patient care, project management, and program coordination, Alecia has always been driven by advocacy. Their work has consistently focused on dismantling the barriers and silos in healthcare, particularly in the systems that impact vulnerable families. A pivotal moment came to Alecia during their work in direct patient care while in nursing school. Realizing that the limitations of institutional care were preventing them from aligning their values with the career they always pictured themselves in, Alecia stepped outside of clinical patient care, choosing to focus on community health work. In this transition, Alecia deepened their understanding of how social determinants of health - like housing and food insecurity - impact families' ability to engage with the healthcare system effectively. Working in program coordination, they saw how these barriers affect the well-being of both parents and children. Currently, Alecia works as a project manager in Health Equity at Boston Children’s Hospital. For them, lactation support is part of a larger effort to tackle food insecurity. "Starting from the very foundation… chest feeding feels like work towards food security," they noted. In 2020, Alecia began to consider training as a doula, achieving this goal by 2022. Inspired to seek caregiving opportunities outside of institutional Western medicine, this decision came after witnessing how being present to support a family member who was experiencing postpartum complications impacted the care they were receiving. "[Just the presence of] someone else who seems knowledgeable makes a difference in these spaces," Alecia stated, highlighting the significance of supportive, informed care during a vulnerable time. Alecia’s ability to expand support for families grew through the 2024 Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE) Community Transformer Training, hosted by the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition and ROSE. Through this program, they not only enhanced their own skills but also broadened their network within the lactation field. “It’s a great way to increase your network of perinatal practitioners,” Alecia said. This experience helped them learn how to better engage families, creating safe spaces for them to share their breastfeeding needs and learn how to provide nonjudgmental, empathetic care. Alecia’s work with the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition has further strengthened these abilities, especially in providing resources and support while maintaining an empathetic approach. As a regular volunteer at the Baby and Me Lactation Support Group at the BPL Mattapan branch, which meets weekly at 10:30 am, they easily completed the 6-month service commitment that accompanies the ROSE Training. However, they have no plans to stop volunteering anytime soon. Alecia’s advice for anyone interested in the lactation field is simple: “Take the training, make the connections, volunteer your time. Don't wait until you're "ready". It's worth it” They encourage others to show up, connect with the community, and keep learning in this essential space. Through advocacy, community-based work, and a dedication to growth, Alecia continues to make an impact, ensuring that families receive the compassionate and informed care that they deserve Looking ahead, Alecia envisions a future where lactation support is fully integrated into broader community health efforts, emphasizing accessibility, education, and advocacy. Their dream is for a community where families feel empowered to access the care they need, and lactation professionals are supported by mentorship and funding. “It’s about creating spaces of connection,” they shared. “We want these traditional practices and discussions around them to be normalized and for people to feel supported.” To learn more about Alecia’s work, look out for their birth work Instagram page coming soon. Instagram: @firstalterbirthwork If you want to learn more about the impactful stories of the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition and its many influential members, please explore the Coalition’s website or email [email protected].
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Addison GrimmVital Village Networks Community Mobilization AmeriCorps VISTA Part one of this two part series was centered around my first Black Breastfeeding Week experience as an Americorps VISTA. Now, it is time to uplift the hard work and endless dedication of those who plan and execute BBW. Below we will dive into the stories and messages belonging to members of the Black Breastfeeding Week Committee.
As highlighted in Part 1, it is easy to see how much of a positive impact BBW has on the community. The women who devote their time and energy into making such inclusive events possible hold Black Breastfeeding close to their hearts. When asked what the planning experience was like, words such as phenomenal, exciting, and celebration came into the conversation. Dominique Bellegard CLC, CLE, stated that what makes hosting and planning an event so special is that “as a Village we can create things together. Having the resources and the tools [to do so] has been very helpful and encouraging.” In a similar vein, Euness Cirino CLC, Peer Counselor emphasized that from the first BBW planning meeting, to participating in events, not only is the process a team effort it is also fun and exciting! As someone who has attended planning meetings myself, I can attest to the feeling of excitement echoing through the Zoom call. This was particularly true this year when ROSE Peer Scholar, Stefanie Belnavis attended her first meeting. While she has not yet participated in an event from the BBW Committee perspective, she expressed her deepest support by stating that “Black Breastfeeding Week for me feels like a very poignant reminder and celebration of the Black woman's body, and all it can do to prepare to support a new life. It has a larger representative component that uplifts the historical contents of BBW to the present day.” Such eloquent words ring true throughout the week, whether it is realized by the masses or not. Truths such as these hold immense power when considering the importance involvement has on the future progression of Black Breastfeeding Week. “[T]he next generation is able to mimic what we’ve continued to do, by serving our community, celebrating them, and putting our words into practice and action” (Dominique Bellegarde). This does not solely pertain to the youth, however, it is also important to recognize the impact lactation support has on breastfeeding mothers. According to Euness Cirino, “It's really about letting our black and brown women know that there are women who look like them that can help and support.” The feeling of seeing parallels between your story, happiness, and even your struggles is indescribable. Those are the moments the Black Breastfeeding Week Committee brings. I want to bring you back to Part 1. Ponder again the question of “Why do we need a Black Breastfeeding Week?” Really take the time to sit and mull over such an important week. When you come to your answer, rest easy knowing that the women behind the scenes are working their magic to bring more peace and unity to you. To get involved and witness such a gratifying display of unity, go to events! “Start with your stories and truth telling” (Stefanie Belnavis). Get involved, ask questions, or just sit and listen. “Just be present to see the joy in other people's faces when they come together” (Stefanie Belnavis). Addison GrimmVital Village Networks Community Mobilization AmeriCorps VIST I am not a Black woman, nor am I a mother. However, experiencing Black Breastfeeding Week did something to me. It changed how I view women, the ways in which I acknowledge the vast community of mothers, and most importantly, opened my eyes to the historical societal depravity black mothers have encountered. As a new AmeriCorps VISTA member working alongside Vital Village Network, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. In the second week of my new position, I was assigned my first project: Black Breastfeeding Week. Almost instantly I was terrified. A wave of anxiety washed over me as I came to two realizations: that I didn’t know a single thing about breastfeeding and that I wasn’t a black woman. The second was obvious, nonetheless I was consumed with the pressure of “getting it right.” For those of you who have been “keeping up with the times” so-to-speak, it is clear to see that America has the offensively degrading tendency to participate in systemic racism. I knew how important Black Breastfeeding Week was going to be before hearing the details. This was going to be a week designed around advocating, and celebrating, with love, Black breastfeeding families and their communities. In order to further wrap my mind around the importance of the movement I had to ask a very important question: Why do we need a Black Breastfeeding Week? By the end, the answer crashed into me like a title wave. Before that, however, the process had to begin. When looking at the past and present situation that Black mothers had and are facing, of course you want to do whatever you can to help. So, help I did. Albeit little, I did what I could to assist in event creation, advertising campaigns, and communication between Scholars and Coalition members alike. It was gratifying to know that I was playing a part in a week that was so important for mothers across America. In fact, one of the most moving experiences I have ever had occurred during a Black Breastfeeding Week Event. For those of you who were able to attend, you know that the Family Drum and March with Jah/Jah drummers was a gratifying afternoon. It was full of music, celebration, and joy. Yet what struck me the most was the sense of togetherness that was shared. People were drumming, mothers were sharing stories, kids were laughing, and adults were swaying to the music. All of us, in one place, celebrating and uplifting a movement that deserves all that we can give it. I’ll remind you though, that this was only one of many events, each being just as special as the last. At the end of the day that’s what Black Breastfeeding Week boils down to, connection and togetherness. Between mom and baby, baby and father, mother and mother or community and community. These shared moments are what make us who we are, and who we want to be. This blog post was not written as a call to arms, but rather the upliftment of a people. Looking back on my time and work leading up to Black Breastfeeding Week, I cherish those hours as moments extremely well spent. As far as I’m concerned, we should all consider ourselves lucky to live in a world where a group of mothers, scholars, and activists are willing to share their gifts with us. So, when asked again “Why do we need a Black Breastfeeding Week?” I replied simply with “why wouldn’t we?” To the Breastfeeding Coalition, this one's for you.  By Addison Grimm Vital Village Networks Community Mobilization AmeriCorps VISTA Stefanie Belnavis (BC-DMT, LMHC), might be new to The Village, but she is no stranger to the value of connection. Though her educational journey started with contemporary modern dance, overtime she has been led to embrace so much more. Her private practice, A Bucket for the Well LLC, to which she owns and executively directs, focuses on therapeutic creative wellness supporting black and brown birthing folks, perinatal providers and birth workers in the Boston area, while also providing creative outlets to explore their journey’s and experiences. In 2010 she was diagnosed with a retinal detachment in both eyes that subsequently resulted in blindness in her left eye and severe visual impairments in the right eye. After moving to Boston from Jamaica, her home country, she completed grad school and clinical hours. All the while Stefanie was visioning, discovering and planning for what her career might look like. Through it all, Stefanie held strong, and now offers four specialized “bucket” services at A Bucket for the Well LLC rooted in creative expression and support; the creative bucket, natal bucket, kinesthetic bucket and conscious bucket. When asked what advice she would give to those starting a business in this line of work, Stefanie was honest in saying it can be hard, especially if one doesn't have a background in business. But, remember it is normal to pivot, be “fearless with reinventing the work that you’re doing. . .[and] re-evaluate your relationship with fear and perfectionism.” Because some of the “best centering moments have been due to the biggest failures.” Now on her journey to becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) through Vital Village and The Boston Breastfeeding Coalition, Stefanie is looking forward to being able to connect with her work in a deeper way, using this opportunity to broaden her scope even more and eventually become a doula. If you are interested in creative wellness services with A Bucket For The Well LLC., Stefanie kindly asks that you complete the referral form HERE and she will be in touch. To learn more about A Bucket For The Well LLC visit one of the sources below! E | [email protected] W | https://www.abucketforthewell.com IG | @abucketforthewell  By Addison Grimm
Vital Village Networks Community Mobilization AmeriCorps VISTA Jess Pimentel, she/ella, began her lactation journey following the birth of her niece in 2012. After helping families informally for years, Jess joined the Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition Program (WIC) team in 2017 as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. Jess realized that, by speaking with families about lactation before babies were born, which aided in the building of connections, she was able to make a stronger impact. After meeting and seeing Marsha Walker, an IBCLC and acclaimed speaker and author, present for the first time during a Peer Counselor training, she started sitting in on Mass Breastfeeding Coalition (MBC) meetings. After that, Jess knew she had to fully get involved. She left “just listening” at meetings behind, and finally raised her hand to help on a small project. Now, Jess serves not only as Treasurer of the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition since 2019, but also chairs the DRIVE (Diversity, Representation, Inclusivity, Vision, Equity) committee working to increase diversity in lactation. Jess also serves as the Massachusetts State Admin for ZipMilk, a project of MBC that helps families find neighborhood chest/breastfeeding help and support. Through the years Jess has worked to earn the titles of CLC and CBS, and is in the process of becoming an IBCLC through a scholarship awarded by LER, a gift that she does not take lightly. Though scared to start a private practice in fear of charging people for her services, those she had never even met, she decided to go for it. Thus, from the mindset of “what do I have to lose? ,” Equally Expressed LLC was born. Since its start in January 2022, Jess has been working to build a business centered around equity, equality and inclusion. Jess stated that, as a business owner, she has “worked really hard this past year to set up a business structure that makes sense financially but, more importantly, a business structure that is set up to be able to support those families that are not able to afford lactation services.” Assuring that she would never turn someone down who needed help, Equally Expressed is a business rooted in giving back to the community. Jess’s plan for the future includes becoming an IBCLC and starting to mentor scholars in her community. Though many projects are in her sights, advocating, promoting, mentoring, and creating job opportunities are her main goals. When asked what advice she would give to aspiring scholars, Jess urged others to join their local coalition, start to network, find opportunities, and just get involved! Resources: LinkedIn, Instagram and FB: @EquallyExpressed Equallyexpressed.com massbreastfeeding.org/drive Zipmilk.org By Addison Grimm Vital Village Networks Community Mobilization AmeriCorps VISTA  Danielle Champagnie was introduced to the ROSE training & Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) occupation by a family member; however, her start in health equity work came many years earlier when she worked as a nurse providing VNA home care. Looking back, Danielle recalls the challenges she experienced when breastfeeding her own children that at times was accompanied by a feeling of helplessness. Always having her passion set on maternal and child care, Danielle decided to take the R.O.S.E followed by Mamatoto and The healthy children training, yet when she began she did not realize how much there was to learn about lactation support and education. Danielle is now in a leadership role as the Vital Village Network Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program Coordinator, working to support R.O.S.E and CLC peer scholars through the process of completing their training, a position she has held for over two years. Through her support in this role, Danielle was awarded the 2021 Excellence in Mentoring award through Vital Village. Though she has a busy schedule, she also supports multiple Baby Cafe lactation support groups.
Danilelle is striving for excellence in the support for NICU families. She is certified as an LPN, CLS, LC, and an aspiring IBCLC and Doula. Danielle has first hand experience with the unique challenges that families with preterm babies may face along their breastfeeding journey, and wants to ensure these families receive the compassion and care required to support the best outcomes. After serving as a volunteer at the BMC NICU in 2021, she is now expanding her knowledge by attending a NICU course offered by LER. When asked what motivates her to assist NICU families, she replied confidently with: “ I really want this [NICU support/group] to grow. I really want to reach these moms. That is my passion." Resources: www.bmc.org/NICU www.marchforbabies.org www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity www.preemie.com By Addison GrimmVital Village Networks, Community Mobilization Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA Shenell Ford got her start in the world of lactation through choosing to breastfeed her children. Overtime she was drawn to opportunities related to peer lactation support. While working as a peer counselor, she studied and obtained her CLC certification, and continued on to pursue her IBCLC. However, the journey was by no means easy, because the IBCLC pathway has numerous barriers. After not passing her IBCLC exam the first time, Shenell almost internalized the disappointment but then recognized that systemic and structural barriers are part of the problem. She looked inward and asked herself “what am I put on this earth to do?” Through hard times she realized that lactation kept pulling her back in. Trying again, she said to herself “whatever I have to do, that's what we’re going to do,” and she passed her exam!
Today, Shenell is a vital member of many transformative projects throughout the community of Springfield, and across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Between serving as Mayoral Aide in Springfield, working at UMASS as a lactation consultant, contracting with the State providing breastfeeding training, being a member of the Black Breastfeeding Week Committee and being a Mass Breastfeeding Coalition board member, Shenell is always busy! However, when not spending time with her kids she makes her private practice, Heart2Heartbeat Lactation & Wellness, the center of her focus. Her virtual services include an introductory session, prenatal consults, postpartum support, breastfeeding classes, professional development training, and advocacy. It is important to Shenell that her practice not only offers lactation support, but also support to the dads, partners, friends and family who will be in the baby’s life. When asked about the source of her continued motivation, for Shenell the answer is simple: “The desire to continue, to be able to provide opportunities for families to advocate for themselves will always be something I will do, and I am humbled to do it.” Visit Shenell’s website and learn more about her work here! https://h2hbeatlw.com/ Or reach out to her via email or social media [email protected] Instagram/Facebook: @h2hbeatl By Jenna NovyVital Village Networks, Community Mobilization Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA  As the winter months creep towards us, I have been reflecting back on the warmth of the summer and my first few months working as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Vital Village Networks. One of the highlights of my experience so far has been the celebration-filled week of virtual events in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week (BBW) at the end of August. If any of you are like me, you may have never heard of Black Breastfeeding Week, or even National Breastfeeding Month. I am the youngest sibling in my family and have a long way to go before starting a family of my own. I had very little knowledge of breastfeeding, and was joining the BBW train long after it left the station; months of planning were already in the committee’s rear-view. But I jumped onboard with an eager and open-mind and was welcomed by a committee of community leaders brimming with wisdom, experience, ideas, and warmth.
These leaders embody the goal of BBW everyday and elevate Black breastfeeding in their communities. They advocate for reduced racial disparities in breastfeeding rates, normalize Black breastfeeding to combat negative stereotypes, and celebrate the joys of breastfeeding. Learning and engaging with the BBW committee was such a positive experience for me, I am happy to have the chance to share reflections from the week and a glimpse at what is coming for BBW 2021. Camelia Garrick, a fellow AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, and I were able to speak with six of our BBW committee members that are also integral members of our Breastfeeding Coalition. Shenell Ford, Dominique Bellegarde, and Keyla Kelley are all lactation counselors and mothers that champion breastfeeding support in their communities. Jenny Weaver is also a long-time lactation counselor and helps mentor many of our incoming breastfeeding scholars. Lisa White and Brandy Watts advocate for maternal and child health equity through their work in the Child Adolescent and Family Health (CAFH) Bureau’s office at Boston Public Health Commission, and Lisa also serves as a doula. For all of those that are as new to the importance of Black breastfeeding as I was, I first want to share some responses from BBW committee members about “What does Black breastfeeding mean to you?” A recurring theme that seemed to pop-up in every interview we conducted was love. Shenell beautifully stated: “[Breastfeeding is] a beautiful expression of love in so many ways. The connection, the bond, not just between you and your baby, but encompassing the whole experience for the family.” Dominique had a similar thought and responded that breastfeeding was “the best start for baby” and a way to show “unconditional love to next generations”. Remarking on the significance of Black breastfeeding, Lisa and Dominique mentioned that it was “empowerment” and “an example to my nation of people”. Shenell and Jenny responded that Black breastfeeding is “healing and joy” and “a time to uplift and highlight the joy around breastfeeding in Black families and communities.” It was very inspiring to see a group of women dedicate their spare time and energy to a cause that has had such a profound impact on them and their families. The events that were planned throughout the week exemplified the feelings of joy and love through celebration and advocacy. I asked committee members “What was an event during Black Breastfeeding Week that stood out to you and why?” Committee members decided to embrace creativity and artistic expression throughout Black Breastfeeding Week to emulate this year’s theme of “Revive. Restore. Reclaim!” Dominique championed the month-long family Paint Night series, and she worked to “use local artists that are members in the Vital Village Network to celebrate children in the community and their work and stories,” and engaged a young adult artist as the lead instructor. Our week finished with a drumming circle celebration led by the local Jah Jah Drummers group. Keyla and her children joined in the virtual fun with pots and pans, and she told us that “It was great to see children who have been breastfed be a part of the celebration. It highlighted for me that we are raising the next generation of advocates.” With this year’s Black Breastfeeding Week only a few months behind them, the committee is already brainstorming ideas for next year. It was exciting to hear the purpose and passion in each committee members’ voice when we asked, “What goals do you have for the next Black Breastfeeding Week?” Lisa’s dream summed up world-wide sentiments when she said “a COVID- free celebration!” and she elaborated with her hope to get “more awareness throughout the community and agencies.” Brandy intends to increase inclusion as well, by “reaching a greater number of black people and a more diverse diaspora, with other languages being included.” Keyla, Shenell, and Dominique all agreed that they would like to incorporate more live music, photos, and black breastfeeding imagery. With this intent in mind, many committee members realized the need to start planning early and seek out more grants and funding to build the capacity of their events. For Shenell, her goal extends far beyond just Black Breastfeeding Week. She already made impressive strides in Springfield by obtaining an official Mayoral Proclamation. Her goal is, “To show that breastfeeding is weaved throughout everything and have breastfeeding be the connector and the core.” With the planning process for Black Breastfeeding Week 2021 already underway, I am honored to be working with such caring and motivated community leaders. They are inspiring future generations of breastfeeding advocates and advancing racial equity in their communities. Save the date for next year, and let us know if you would like to be involved! Today's feature is Dominique, a wife and mother of four.  Dominique with her husband and four children. Photo courtesy of Dominique What are your breastfeeding goals? Breast feed my children closer to 2 years of age. If you've breastfed before, what's different about this experience? During my breastfeeding journey I really enjoyed taking the steps into maintaining skin-to-skin. It seems to be very important for me and my children. I enjoyed the connection, looking into their eyes, showering & pouring positive words into their spirit and embracing who they are becoming. Breastfeeding help to keep me connected with my children and always check in with them I love the fact that a lot of breastfed children especially mines display that even if Mom goes far or to the other side of the room they always look back so I've always believed that breastfed children always look back because of the commitment we have poured into them while they were infants. they're returning it back to us and I appreciate my breastfeeding children for one of the characteristics that they could see the display when they become an adolescence and school-age. What's your fondest memory of breastfeeding? I love just looking into their eyes that's my most amazing moment and just trying to learn who they are and what they are just through what I see through their eyes. These are beautiful moments breathtaking. I have the opportunity to birth great individuals and my child, my children, my leaders, my community members I can see it in the presence. Who has been your biggest supporter on your breastfeeding journey? My biggest supporter is my mother-in-law. She just kept pushing me while I was in pain with one of my children and then my mother who didn't understand breastfeeding she also push me to educate her and she became a supporter towards my family and my siblings and I believe sharing provides benefits to the community members who influence many. What advice would you give to new breastfeeding families? Your breastfeeding journey is a temporary journey with lasting effects it is important to pour into your children because they're the only ones you have. They are the only ones that represent you and your genes and you were chosen for this role and it's great to share with others who you have poured into. I have poured into my children Goodness, love, patience, perseverance and Awesomeness! Is there anything else you'd like to share with breastfeeding families? It takes a village to breastfeed. It takes a village to raise children. It takes a village to love your spouse. It takes a village to know that you are important and you are valued. Please be involved in a village or a community corporation that can help shine your gifts. Your gifts will make you feel valued in and out of your home. This series is sponsored by DommiesBlessed. In celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we are collecting stories from mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other members of the breastfeeding unit. If you or someone you know would like to contribute, click here, we’d love to have you. Today's feature is Lenize, a wife and mother of two.  Lenize. Photo courtesy of Lenize. What are your breastfeeding goals? To continue until she self weans. If you've breastfed before, what's different about this experience? Less pressure, letting baby lead. What's your fondest memory of breastfeeding? When they reach up to my face and lock eyes. Who has been your biggest supporter on your breastfeeding journey? Husband. What advice would you give to new breastfeeding families? Grace upon grace! Breastfeeding is actually hard and doesn’t come so “naturally”, it’s learned! Baby is learning while you are learning. Keep pushing and you both will get into a groove. The reward is worth the work! Is there anything else you'd like to share with breastfeeding families? Be proud of every single day you were able to complete, no matter how long! It’s amazing that our bodies can create, grow, and nurture a whole human! We actually get to be collaborators with God to create life! Honor your self and body for that! This series is sponsored by DommiesBlessed. In celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we are collecting stories from mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other members of the breastfeeding unit. If you or someone you know would like to contribute, click here, we’d love to have you . |
