The Copper Country Breastfeeding Collaborative launched in March to help new parents and their babies with feeding and health support. Since then, the collaborative has held monthly meetups and programs to answer questions parents have about feeding their child.
Melissa Naasko, a lactation specialist with the collaborative, said the group identified a critical need in the community. “Overwhelmingly, the information we got back is that they need both community support, that is one-on-one support after birth, but also clinical support in the hospital,” Naasko said. “We worked really hard to establish that by providing information and our regular monthly support group, which is a fantastic way for people to meet.”
The collaborative meets on the third Saturday of every month at the Keweenaw Community Foundation in Hancock, offering snacks and a welcoming environment for families.
August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and Naasko emphasized the importance of raising awareness about breastfeeding options in the Copper Country. “I think it’s really important because people just need to know that it’s an option,” Naasko said. “With our lower breastfeeding rates in the Copper Country, they might not have personal experiences like a sibling or a cousin or a really close personal friend. Providing events like this makes sure people remember that it’s still an option and that there’s still local support.”
The collaborative has expanded opportunities, in working with one of the collaborative’s organizations, Treehouse Family Resources in Houghton. Naasko explained the services available at multiple progams. “We can do breast fitting assessments there, but it’s also a great opportunity for women to come together and talk about their experiences, bring their babies,” Naasko said. “We have childcare for older kids and they can get both the clinical support that they need and the community support that they’re looking for.”
Treehouse Family Resources also hosts fourth trimester meetups for new parents. Liz Ludington, executive director of Treehouse Family Resources, described the program’s inclusive approach. “We have a fourth trimester support group co-facilitated by myself and Melissa,” Ludington said. “Moms and dads and caregivers, anybody who’s dealing with a brand new baby is welcome. It’s a safe space to come and talk with each other and make connections with other parents who are in the same stage of life.”
The open house on August 15 at the Keweenaw Community Foundation will provide an opportunity for families to learn more about breastfeeding and connect with local resources.
Learn more about the Copper Country Breastfeeding Collaborative online. Find details for the August 15 open house and fourth trimester programs at Treehouse Family Resources online.
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