September 12, 2019
Although research links breastfeeding and health benefits for both mom and baby, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action reports only 40 percent of all babies under 6 months are exclusively breastfed.
Breastfeeding support groups such as BabyCafé USA have become an important resource to new moms everywhere, and most recently New Orleans moms. Nola BabyCafé recently partnered with Touro to open the Gulf-South region’s first hospital-based BabyCafé.
Unapologetic
Being a mom of two is extremely hard, especially without resources. I am so thankful to have found Nola BabyCafé. I am one of the first people in my family to breastfeed and to do so unapologetically. My 2-year-old and I are still going strong.
When I found BabyCafé, my son was still a 1-year-old, and I honestly did not know how much I needed the support until I received it. It was like a breath of fresh air. I found both Fit4Mom and BabyCafé at the same time, and it was like I had finally found my place in both. The community that you experience just from walking through the doors is unlike anything else.
I began volunteering at BabyCafé because I enjoyed being there so much. From there, I was given a scholarship to become a certified lactation counselor. This was such a huge gift to me, as I have an extreme passion for all things lactation, and I made sure to ace my course as my thank you.
I now work for BabyCafé as a certified lactation counselor, and I have no plans on stopping there. I have a 10-year-old daughter as well, and she has also found friends from being at BabyCafé. She told me recently that, maybe, she could work at BabyCafé when she gets older. She has also spoken about how she will breastfeed her kids when she gets older (way down the line)!
Role Model
It makes me extremely proud to be able to be a positive role model for her in these ways. I have learned so much from working with these moms. I love to see moms who meet at BabyCafé and become friends outside of that environment.
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I love helping moms feed their babies — the food source that is created specifically for that baby. I go to work, and I feel so fulfilled when I am done. I feel that I am actually making a difference in the world. I am thankful for my friend who told me about BabyCafé, and I am thankful for everyone at BabyCafe who took me in with open arms.
Jade George is a mom of two and a certified lactation consultant. She works for Touro in the Nola BabyCafé as a certified lactation counselor.
