MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – It’s a challenging part of motherhood that is not often talked about. Breastfeeding can be stressful for a new mom, and it comes with its own set of challenges.
Local 10′s Nicole Perez attended the 13th Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Family Day in Doral at Doral Legacy Park, where the South Florida community came together to offer support and education for new mothers and families.
The goal of the event was to give families all the information they need to conquer breastfeeding and help with caring for a newborn baby.
“It’s an opportunity for us to work with partners and communities to highlight and provide resources and educational opportunities to our families about proper nutrition and breastfeeding,” said Dr. Yesenia Villata, Board of the Department of Health, Miami-Dade County Office Administrator.
Breastfeeding a baby can come with challenges and several moms at the event shared some of their experiences.
“With my first one I was struggling. I had problems with my milk coming in and my supply, so it took me a while to get adjusted. I had a really hard time,” said Tiffany Wood, a mother of two.
“Stress just loaded with cortisol, and I was overwhelmed, over stimulated, especially trying to juggle a new family and then work and childcare just was a lot,” said Ashley Fleury, a first-time mom.
“When I got pregnant, I envisioned a beautiful breast-feeding journey, and we did have our challenges. It wasn’t exactly what I expected,” said Yessenia Orozco, mother.
All of the moms found the common denominator and showed up to the event to get the help and support they needed.
International board-certified lactation consultant Annalis De Armas said she attended the event with “Latch” because the group feels Miami does not have the lactation support it needs.
“The biggest concern is most people think this is natural. As natural as breastfeeding is, it’s really difficult at times. I think that moms come here and they’re so scared and they don’t know what they’re doing. Find support and another great tip is find a great support group. A group of moms and family members that really support needs and wants,” said De Armas.
Several moms who attended are either breastfeeding or pumping and took part in the South Florida Latch-athon, a 24hr in-person and virtual event to count as many latches, pumping or chest feeding sessions in a 24hr period in South Florida. It was the third annual event, hosted by BreastfeedMIAMI.
Diana Ragbeer of BreastfeedMIAMI hopes the event will normalize breastfeeding for the community.
“We want you to know we are here for you you’re not alone. We can send a doula, send a visitation nurse, get you on the line with somebody, whatever you need,” said Ragbeer.
The moms Nicole spoke with certainly felt the support.
“I think it’s a great event. I absolutely love it I think it’s great for the kids to come out, they have a lot of stuff for them to do. There are many resources on breastfeeding, even baby tooth care and sleep training,” said Fleury.
The moms also had a message for Local 10 viewers.
“At the end of the day you have to do what’s best for your family. A happy, healthy fed baby, if you can breastfeed it’s amazing. Whatever is going to work for you. Hang in there. It will get better; it will get easier. There are moms out there like you. There’s a whole support group if you have questions. Just ask. The help is there,” said Ana Alfaras, a mother.
To get support, mothers and families can contact the Women’s Infant and Children’s Breastfeeding Hotline at 786-336-1336.
For breastfeeding resources through BreastfeedMiami, click on this link.
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