CFC Highlights Free Lactation Services During National Breastfeeding Month 

A group of people pose for a picture. They are holding children's books.

August is National Breastfeeding Month. Champions for Children (CFC) offers free lactation consultation services and critical breastfeeding support for families in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. Lactation consultants are IBCLC certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). Services are always free and there are no requirements, although participants are encouraged to register, here. 

Health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with breastfeeding continuing after the introduction of solid foods until age one to two years or beyond.  

According to the CDC, breast-fed infants are at reduced risk of type-one diabetes, obesity, asthma, and a wide range of infections. Breastfeeding can also help lower a woman’s risk of high blood pressure, type-two diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.  

The IBLCE reports that three out of four mothers in the United States begin breastfeeding, but lack the vital support needed to continue for the recommended six months. 

“Our goal is to offer families the critical support they need to meet their breastfeeding goals. We know that many new parents experience breastfeeding challenges. We want to help them solve those challenges and enjoy their breastfeeding journey,” says Regina Roig-Romero, program manager for CFC’s A Breastfeeding and Childbirth Program (ABC).  

Families are invited to participate in two special events to commemorate August as National Breastfeeding Month.  

On Aug. 7, in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, CFC will host an event offering food, refreshments, and a giveaway. The event, which welcomes parents with infants and expecting parents, will be held Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 10 A.M. to Noon at Tampa Family Health Centers – Bearss, 1212 E. Bearss Ave, Lutz.  

In celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week, the Tampa Bay Breastfeeding Task Force will be hosting a Latch & Paint event. The event will be held Friday, Aug. 30th from 9 A.M to Noon at Layla’s House, 1506 E. Eskimo Ave, Tampa.  

Both events are free and open to the public.  

CFC’s ABC program, a licensed affiliate of Baby Café USA, offers comprehensive breastfeeding support via IBCLC services at 10 community locations, nine of which are Baby Cafés, in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. Services are available at no cost and there are no requirements to participate, though registration is preferred. 

Kerri Fine is the senior program manager for Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County, a funding partner of Pinellas County’s Baby Cafés.  

Fine says, “Healthy Start proudly partners with Champions for Children in their Baby Café program, offering essential support for mothers. The Baby Café not only provides education and support for women, but also significantly boosts mothers’ confidence. It’s a nurturing environment where women gain confidence and witness improvement in their child’s ability to feed. This experience is pivotal in nurturing the bond between mother and child while giving the child a healthy start in life.” 

The Hillsborough County services are made possible by the generous support of BayCare, REACHUP, Inc. and the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. Pinellas County services are made possible by the generous support of the Juvenile Welfare Board and Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County.    

For more information on CFC’s free breastfeeding support services, ABC Program, Baby Café or free lactation consultation services, visit cfctb.org/abcprogram.