If we are going to improve the breastfeeding rates we know good support and education is needed so beyond the coalition that's what we want to offer all the Mothers of Color and their Families who want and need it as well as those that are breastfeeding/ chestfeeding who don't identify as BIPOC that find themselves in need of lactation assistance. In collaboration with our sisters in Southeastern Michigan IBCLC's of Color we are offering weekly virtual breastfeeding support groups from 3to 4 pm every Saturday. Tune in to Facebook for details! 

WE NOW OFFER IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL LACTATION SUPPORT AFTER HOSPITAL DISCHARGE!

This is a mother to mother support group for pregnant and breastfeeding women of color in the community as the rest of our services are free of charge,  fun to attend and an open space for expression for what you're going through in your journey. This is currently happening monthly both virtually via zoom and in person. 

Remembering that representation matters, advocacy is needed, and the birthing person's voice is important in every birth is the very core to our foundation for our work in the Birthing Bellies Like Mine! branch. Our Doula Services was created to bring the possibility of having an great, satisfying and memorable labor and delivery. we strive to keep Doula Services affordable and accessible to all who want and need it! Call Us or fill out the contact form below and book us today! Services available starting at 36wks. Please book between 2 to 4 weeks before your 36th week. payment discussed at that time.

Often times when we think about maternal care, infant care, birth and breastfeeding we think mother and baby; all too often seeing the father as an afterthought. The 'Fathers Speak "for Dads like me"' support group was created not only to include fathers into the mother baby dyad but see them as a whole as a Triad if you will. In this hybrid space (now both on zoom and in person) fathers, fathers -to -be,  fathers of toddlers teens and all ages in between, adoptive fathers and those that are father figures can gather and talk about what its like to be fathers in todays world. They discuss how the birth trauma endured by the mother affected them, breastfeeding, adapting to the ages and stages of the growing child, changes in the household, relationships and co-parenting. while this group is exclusively for fathers, it is our hope that having open conversations in a safe space will improve the communication in the whole family dynamic and enhance the relationship between the parents. The fathers support one another in and out of the meetings; including when the mothers go into labor. They meet Monthly. Please Inquire for details.

This program that will include childbirth education, birth doula services, lactation education and support, mentoring from successful mothers from the community that were also teen or young mothers. One young mother a year will be chosen to be sent for training in lactation education. The difference in the way we will work with our Y.E.E.M teens is their learning will be done in the way they want to learn best we have made games that will allow them to learn and practice what they need to birth safely and breastfeed while avoiding common breastfeeding issues. We will also be coming to them at the schools to further remove barriers they may have in seeking services they need. The purpose for the program is not just for them to learn, but to reshape the mindset that young/teen mothers won't be successful. We will encourage, empower and uplift them giving them the support they need how they want it. They will learn self advocacy and we are confident that all of this will build their confidence in being parents. Our problem is also designed for them to create support in each other.

Our meetings are always open to pregnant and  breastfeeding mothers and their families from Battle Creek and Calhoun County as well as members interested in birth and breastfeeding work. These meetings will take place with members of our coalition and team who also live in the community and will sometimes feature guests from other African American organizations or that serve people of color that want to improve breastfeeding rates and birth outcomes or specialize in dispensaries and inequities. This may include women or men that may  or may not have children but are committed toward reducing maternal and infant disparities. This is currently happening via zoom and in person.

All of Milk Like Mine's Amazing services are available in Spanish via direct services or through our Hispanic lead Rosibel's translation skills. We are very excited to be offering these services so that more Women of Color get the care and services they need.

Todos los increíbles servicios de Milk Like Mine (Leche Como La Mia) están disponibles en español a través de servicios directos o a través de las habilidades de traducción de nuestra líder hispana Rosibel. Estamos muy emocionados de ofrecer estos servicios para que más mujeres de color obtengan la atención y los servicios que necesitan

Moods Like Mine is the latest addition to the Milk Like Mine programs and is available to all mamas. We know that life in the time frame after birth is not always sunshine and rainbows in fact it can feel like dark clouds and thunderstorms. Having "Baby Blues" or Postpartum Depression can have us convincing ourselves that we are alone.. But the data shows that this is very far from the truth. We are breaking the stigma on the way postpartum depression is looked at, delt with and talked about by creating a safe space for one another to cry talk embrace and learn to deal. We can feel better together. So lets do just that, because Moods Like Mine are Moods Like Yours!