Blog
Pelvic Floor Health and Breastfeeding
Dr. Meag is a Physical Therapist who helps women with strengthening their pelvic floor. This is especially important for postpartum recovery.
Generous Milk Depot Donation
Elizabeth and her happy son Liam met Robin the IBCLC at the Milk Depot in Ellsworth. Elizabeth is a generous donor of Human Milk, donating over 500 ounces to the Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast so far. That will reach many babies.
Safe Feeding In Emergencies
In an emergency like a severe storm, there is a risk of water contamination. Contaminated water can lead to diarrhea and dehydration in babies. Whether breastfed, bottle fed or formula fed, a few simple steps can avoid this serious problem.
Breast Milk and TSA Policies
Having food for our babies while we’re travelling is important. TSA lists specific foods as “medically necessary liquids”. The policies for handling these foods and breast pumps needs to be consistently enforced.
Be an Effective Advocate
“There are so many different ways to be involved and they’re all really important.” Brooke Barron reviewed the basic steps of legislation. Learn about important dates and ways to communicate with your legislators.
Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer
This story and these resources will help you understand and plan for breastfeeding after breast cancer. There are also several resources for support and information that she shares.
Recognition of WIC Support
Congratulations to this WIC office in Ellsworth, Maine! They won a Gold Award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This crew has offered practical support and resources to many families in the Downeast region of Maine.
Pumping & Storing Milk at Work
We recommend creating a scheduling and experimenting with your pumping routine, and be sure you have the right equipment to make it a bit easier.
Stocking Up On Milk
Start preparing to pump at work about 6 weeks before your return date by pumping and freezing milk. You really only need enough milk for the first day you and your baby are separated, plus some extra as a cushion!
Your Back to Work Plan After Having a Baby
Creating a back to work plan and discussing it with your supervisor before your return to work can greatly increase the likelihood of a positive return-to-work experience for both you and your employer.
Productive Advocacy
The Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition has partnered with other organizations to accomplish some important policy changes. Maine Paid Family Leave and the Tool Kit for Employees Returning to Work are two important gains.
Making Milk, Providing Milk.
There are several ways for us to better provide more Human Milk to more babies. When every baby receives human milk, we will be a healthier Maine. Help close the gap in access to breast milk. Learn about what you can do and celebrate World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7, 2024.
Pride Celebration
I have seen changes happening in lactation spaces…more terms being used.. more research… more trainings being offered that focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ lactation.
Care for Caregivers
A reliable, positive personal connection for a growing child is invaluable. In appreciation of the variety of families, the MSBC is again presenting The Patchwork of Parenting storytelling event on Saturday June 1st. It will deepen your appreciation of caregiving and parenting.
Marketing Breast-Milk Substitutes
Tired and anxious parents are the obvious and especially vulnerable targets of manipulative marketing. The W.H.O Code (a.k.a the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes) was created to protect parents/families from this. Participate in a research study that will collect data on this negative practice.
A Milk Depot in Downeast Maine
There is now a Milk Depot in Ellsworth at Anchored Women’s Health. “Our goal is to increase awareness of and access to donor milk in Maine.” Babies need Donor Human Milk for many reasons. Learn more about the donating Human Milk and the network of Milk Banks.
Resources for Parents Who Pump At Work
Returning to work is like early postpartum, a time of adjustment for you and your family. An excellent resources is the Tool Kit for Employees Returning to Work. It was created by the Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition and the Let’s Go program of MaineHealth.
Our Coalition is Growing
Our coalition accomplished a lot in 2023. That includes the Patchwork of Parenting event, a new executive director, a presentation about inclusivity at the USBC, work with Maine Paid Family Leave Coalition and more. We look forward to more good work in 2024.
Wonderful and Safe Sleep
Safe Sleep Practices are steps you can take to reduce risks. Learn more about what’s developmentally appropriate and what defines safe sleep. There are excellent resources for parents. You and your family can rest easier.
Diversity and Inclusion
Petrichor Kneeland-Campbell was invited to speak on a panel at the United States Breastfeeding Coalition National Conference this June 2023. The title of their panel was ‘One Step at a Time: Transforming Organizational Culture to Advance DEI in the First Food Field.’.