Established September of 2022 as a program of Child Advocacy to increase support and normalize breastfeeding in our local community.
September
First meeting with 14 in attendance! Identified current lactation resources in our area as well as barriers and needs, and key stakeholders to supporting breastfeeding.
October
Nine participants in attendance brainstormed a plan for future meeting education topics. Lack of lactation supplies in Baby Pantry sparked a Lactation Supply Drive-flyer left in OB office to promote donations.
November
Eight participants at meeting and first meeting education:
Breastfeeding in the NICU.
January
Hosted Tri-City Babywearers for a fun workshop at Child Advocacy. 13 attended monthly meeting with education from Gratiot-Integrated Health Network Infant Mental Health. Discussed plans for a collaborative virtual support group & August National Breastfeeding Month.
Rack cards were printed to be distributed to bring awareness to the goals of the Breastfeeding Coalition.
February
All virtual meeting due to snow storm-11 participants!
Dr. Neeru Ramaswami from Discover Smiles Pediatric Dentistry joined to educate on Tethered Oral Tissues. Discussions of a future Infant Massage Workshop with ZENlightenment & Lactation Friendly Space Initiative, and ways to improve Capacity Building.
March
Donated children's books about breastfeeding to all local libraries!
WIC presented during out monthly meeting, with 9 in attendance.
April
Hosted the only Michigan Global Big Latch On Event! Eleven attendees for our monthly meeting, with DHHS Infant Safe Sleep Coordinator Colleen Nelson presenting on Safe Sleep and breastfeeding.
May
We hosted the Flat River Doulas for our monthly meeting to explain how doulas can support families before and after birth, and how their support can impact breastfeeding. Nine members were in attendance, and also discussed breastmilk and foster care as well as reviewed the membership guidelines and bylaws.
MI Virtual Breastmilk Circle began in May also! A collaboration between the Gratiot, Saginaw, Midland and Bay County Breastfeeding Coalitions.
June
At our June meeting we had nine attendees and learned about the services provided by Eight Cap/Early Head Start!
July
Eight members attended our July meeting to learn from Katie Gillette and how occupational therapy and tummy time can improve breastfeeding! Plans for Breastfeeding Month were finalized.
August
Gratiot County celebrated World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month!
10 participants learned from MIBFN's Shannon about breastfeeding-supportive communities, and about the PUMP Act from the U.S. Dept of Labor.
Nearly 50 people had fun at our first Breastfeeding Awareness Walk!
Thank you all
for an amazing year!!
What's next for GCBC?
Lactation Supporter Training
Applying for grant funding to sustain the
Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition as a program of
Child Advocacy.
Planning to instate Bylaws & Membership guidelines at September meeting.
Seeking volunteers for Chairsperson, Vice-chair and Secretary!
Will vote in September!
Future Meeting Education
September-Suicide Prevention Month: Maternal Mental Health with Kennadi Ruhlman, LMSW from MI Journey Therapy Services
October-Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month: Kim Wyse
November-?
*No December Meeting*
January-?