BELLAS Breastfeeding Organization (Breastfeeding Encouragement Learning Liaison and Support) is hosting two free events this weekend to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. It just so happens that CSP is sponsoring one of them:-)
BELLAS Breastfeeding was established in Charlotte in 1992 and offers moms support through the duration of breastfeeding. They are unique in that they target low-income, minority and teenage mothers who often lack the resources to obtain lactation assistance and whose babies can gain the most from breast milk.
LATCH ON AND SMILE
Date: Friday, August 8, 2008
Place: Freedom Park’s Mahlon Adams Pavilion
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Event: Mothers will gather with their nurslings and breastfeed together for one minute. T-shirts that say Breastfeeding Does a World of Good to the first 25 infants.
Goal: To put a happy, healthy, and diverse face on breastfeeding in the Charlotte area.
FASHION SHOW AND BABY FAIRE
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008
Place: Myers Park Baptist Church Heaton Hall, 1931 Selwyn Ave Charlotte, NC 28207
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Event: Featuring a fashion show of maternity, nursing & children’s clothes as well as accessories. Including: childrens’ activities, refreshments, silent auction, door prizes and vendors. T-shirts that say Breastfeeding Does a World of Good to the first 25 infants. Free Charlotte Smarty Pants t-shirts to the first 75 moms (woohoo!). Fashions by Belly Elan, Motherwear and Peek a Boo Couture. Sponsored by Carolinas Medical Center Main and Pineville.
So load up your babies or your very pregnant self and join the festivities! These events will be fabulous and educational!
8 comments
I was just checking CSP for info regarding breast pumps, nursing bras, etc. and Voila!….an article about breastfeeding. How appropriate! I’m looking for any info on best places to rent and/or buy a breast pump as well as where to buy nursing bras. Does anyone have any recommendations? I’ve heard of The Milky Way. How does that compare to renting breast pumps from the hospital? And, who has the best selection of nursing bras? Should I be fitted for one?
Milky Way has the best selection of nursing bras because they sell the Bravado Seamless Microfiber bras that offer a flexible fit vs. a nursing bra with actual cup sizes. I've noticed that my breast size varied throughout the day so it's a better fit. Also, Milky Way offers the most affordable price when purchasing a breast pump. Depending on how much pumping you decide to do, the hospital grade pumps are very good & you pay by the month (depending on your insurance coverage).
I also went to the Milky Way for all of my nursing needs. They have a really cute shop as well with precious clothes. We did a post on them a few months ago:http://charlottesmartypants.blogspot.com/2008/01/smarty-pick-boutique-milky-way.htmlYou may want to consider working with a lactation consultant. I worked with Jan Ellen Brown with Presbyterian Hospital when I had my twins. She is incredible to work with. Bras – I bought two bras in my 8th month of pregnancy and then bought two more after my milk came in. This worked nicely for me. Also, try to borrow a pump from a friend (you can just buy new inserts) or rent one from the hospital to make sure you’re going to do this long term. With twins or more, you will definitely need a hospital grade pump. The Medela pump n style worked fine, but in the beginning days, I was definitely in need for a really strong pump b/c it’s all about supply and demand. Good luck!
I also worked with Jan Ellen Brown and she was so helpful! I rented a Medela Symphony from Presbyterian (it is STRONG and lightweight)for the months. One of my twins had trouble latching on so after a few weeks I exclusively pumped and the “hands free” bra was essential as I was wed to that pump….at least then I could email and fold laundry!
I also saw Jan Ellen (she is awesome!), she is with Char Peds now. If you rent from the Milky Way, they do not submit it to your insurance for you, but if you rent from Jan she will(or at least she did when she was at Presb). And pumping hands free is great!
I too used presby lactation and our insurance picked up the bill for the pump. something you should all look into. We had to pay for it and then they reimbursed us.
i bought my medela pump from babycenter, although that was a few years ago. I have bought almost all my big ticket items from that web site. The prices are good and it comes to your door-which is great when you don’t have to carry a big stroller or car seat box!
A note on nursing bras … I actually did not care for themand personally thought they were a waste of money. Instead, I just bought some bras in my new super large size and just pulled down the cup. Works just as well in my opinion and then you can start wearing them during pregnancy when your boobs begin to get big. Also, be sure to get plenty of nursing pads for leaks. Lansinoh brand (purple box) is my tried and true favorite!