How Baby Café Helped Kristina Overcome Breastfeeding Challenges

When Kristina welcomed her daughter into the world, she knew she wanted to breastfeed but wanted to ensure she was on the right track. Just a few days after her daughter was born, she attended Baby Café, a key service of our ABC Program. “We attended several more times for additional support as we continued our breastfeeding journey, including getting help with pumping before I went back to work,” Kristina shares. In addition to Baby Café, Kristina also utilized the breastfeeding warm line for text and phone support, which helped when she was in between visits.

The support Kristina received from our Board-Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Counselors was instrumental in helping her achieve her breastfeeding goals. “ABC has allowed me to gain confidence in my breastfeeding journey,” she says. Her goal is to breastfeed for one year, and thanks to the guidance she received, she is well on her way to achieving it.

Kristina recalls moments when the expertise of an IBCLC was vital to her success. “They did a weighted feed to make sure my daughter was getting enough milk early on. They also talked with me on the phone when I had concerns that my baby may have an allergy due to her fussiness and gas. Both experiences took away my worries as a breastfeeding mom!” She gives a special shout-out to Monica and Deidra, “they both helped me feel confident as a new mom and like I could accomplish my breastfeeding goals,” she adds.

A Message to New Moms

As both a Champions for Children staff member, managing the new DULCE program, and a program participant, Kristina is uniquely positioned to encourage other mothers to take advantage of the ABC Program’s resources. “If you are planning to breastfeed or even considering breastfeeding, I can’t recommend this service enough!” she says. “They are equipped with so much knowledge and will encourage you when you need it most!” The confidence she gained through Baby Café and the breastfeeding warm line allowed her to exclusively breastfeed her daughter for the first 12 weeks of her life, and she plans to continue breastfeeding moving forward. “This service has directly impacted the secure attachment I am building with my baby,” she reflects.

At Champions for Children, we’re fortunate to have a team of professionals who not only work to support families but also benefit from our programs in their personal lives.

Kristina’s story is a testament to the power of the ABC Program in supporting breastfeeding mothers, whether they are new to the journey or looking for continued guidance. Now managing the DULCE program, she supports families during their child’s first year, a role that holds special meaning as a new mother herself.

As we celebrate National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we are proud to share stories like hers, highlighting the impact of compassionate, knowledgeable support.

Are you a new mother or know someone who is? Check out the ABC Program at cfctb.org/abcprogram.