BABY CAFÉ

helps moms who do not speak English as their rst language. She said the service is vital to Latina moms.

Spanish-speaking mothers need communication and support like English-speaking moms because breastfeeding is tough in the rst few months, Perez added.

“If there’s that language barrier, then it’s going to be very hard for them to continue to breastfeed for three months or longer,” Perez said. “So, then we provide this service, and we could help them achieve that goal and explain to them the breastfeeding and support.” e mothers in the group later talked about support outside the group— from family and friends.

“Just like o ering a quiet place to go especially when (the baby) gets to that kind of stage where they are so easily distracted,” said Cloe Brooks.

Brooks was the rst winner of the rocking chairs that the Je co Baby Café was giving away.

Another mother, Yarely Reyes said that breastfeeding can be iso- lating so a little company is helpful.

“Most of the time you don’t get anyone to talk to,” she said. “So, they could do that.” e mothers, lactation consultants and others present all agreed that there needs to be more spotlight on breastfeeding. at’s why they were celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, which is the rst week of August each year. e U.S. also recognizes August as National Breastfeeding Month.

Gregory wants everyone to know that breastfeeding support is family support.

“Yes, we have breastfeeding information, but we’re really open to whatever is working for your family,” Gregory said. “We want to make sure that everybody gets what they need.”

For More Information

You can find more information on the Baby Café online at BabyCafeUSA.org.

Je co’s Baby Café is one of many sites. It meets Mondays at the Belmar Library. You can find more information on the Je erson County Public Health webpage at je co.us/public-health.

Check out the Mother’s Milk Bank website at milkbank.rmchildren.org for more information on the organization.