What is B.R.E.A.S.T. Roanoke Doing for Your Community?

BREAST Friends

Our BREAST Friends​ initiative is a new project which allows us to educate local businesses and establishments so that they can better serve breastfeeding families, both as clients/customers and as employees. Our BREAST Friends Ambassadors will reach out o businesses, and provide them the necessary education so they understand why they should be supporting these families, as well as how to do so. Upon completion of the requirements, the business will be awarded a "BREAST Friend" sticker to display in their window letting the community know that breastfeeding is welcome and supported at their establishment.

BREAST Nest

Our BREAST Nests are nursing tents made available at local festivals and events. The nursing tents allow a space for mothers to feed comfortable hydrate, change diapers, and bond with other families, all in a safe and supportive environment. During early motherhood, many mothers are burdened by feeling isolated from activities in their community. The availability of the Nests allows for mothers to return to their community and overcome that feeling of isolation or event shaming that often accompanies nursing a child in public.

Relationship with Local Physicians & Hospitals

All newly nursing mothers have a healthcare provider that helps to guide them along their journey. But physicians are often restricted with limited time per patient, and this often leads to an inability to support a nursing mother fully through any struggles she may face. We aim to be this resource to bridge the gap of these physicians, as we can be the resource they provide to their patients in the event that they are seeking educational support, or even just peer bonding support.

Needs Assessment

The needs assessment will allow us to obtain information on breastfeeding rates and barriers in our immediate community. This will allow us to further apply for grant funding as we can better serve and foster an increase in breastfeeding rates, namely in particular socioeconomic classes which historically have significantly lower rates of breastfeeding.
Be on the look out for more exciting news and projects!
Are you needing assistance from B.R.E.A.S.T or have ideas that we can better serve your community? Let us know! Contact us!