Women and Family Life Center Awarded $2,000 for Parent Programs

The following is a press release from the Women and Family Life Center:

Thanks to the generosity of The Guilford Foundation, Women & Family Life Center (W&FL) is expanding its breastfeeding education and support programming for mothers with infants on the Shoreline.  W&FL Executive Director Peggy Britt acknowledged the $2,000 award in saying:

“We are so grateful for support from The Guilford Foundation that is critical in helping us to expand our services and reach new parents who want to help their babies thrive. “  

Mothers with infants can start their week with a second cup of coffee and the company of other parents each Monday morning from 10:30 to 11:30.  Pediatric nurse and board-certified lactation consultant Heather Henry, RN, IBCLC brings more than 15 years’ experience as facilitator for both a Prenatal Breastfeeding Education Class and the free weekly support group for mothers and infants. Ms. Henry worked in pediatric practices in Colorado and Texas before relocating to Guilford with her family when her husband became the varsity swimming coach at Yale University.   

The Second Cup is designed to help mothers with infants gain support and answer questions about feeding (breast or bottle), sleep schedules, and a myriad of other challenges that can arise in baby’s first weeks. Mothers are encouraged to join other expectant and breastfeeding women in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere for information and encouragement. A scale is available to check babies’ weight. This group is intended to support and encourage mom as well as address minor concerns in a group setting.  

The Guilford Foundation award enables W&FL to provide this group at no cost to participants. Nursing moms having the opportunity to discuss lactation issues during the group and receive support and information.  Private, individualized consultation is also available outside the group. In addition to The Second Cup, W&FL offers a two-hour prenatal breastfeeding education class for parents planning to breastfeed their babies. 

Participants receive materials and online access to important resources as part of the curriculum.  The class is offered on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm and costs $35 per couple.