Northeast Lactation Summit

With support from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) and Medica, the 20th Annual Lactation Summit marked a milestone in advancing community health and supporting families through collaboration, innovation, and shared learning. This year’s summit, attended by over 70 lactation professionals, healthcare providers, advocates, and community leaders, strengthened the network dedicated to promoting breast / chest feeding and maternal-child health.

Rachel Gilbertson, Regional Child & Family Wellbeing Program Manager, and member of the Northeast Regional Community Leadership Team led participants through an opening grounding activity:

'How we heal ourselves along the way

An alignment

A becoming

A belonging

How we sit with our precious self

turned into the sacred space that creates

a clearing for purpose, peace, and possibility

Wrapped in protection

Reminded of our perseverance

How we care for others

Swaddled in love

Cradled in compassion

Rocked and reassured of our worthiness

How we nurture our inner child,

are nourished by inspiration,

and are transformed by trusting our intuition

Grounded in gratitude for the gist of life itself

All moments, each heartbeat, every breath.'

(Co-Authored by Rachel Gilbertson & Tiara Cash)

Featuring a diverse range of presentations that addressed current challenges and emerging trends in lactation support. Topics included workplace support for employers, Cannabis and lactation, becoming a lactation support professional, inclusive language for patient-centered approaches, and a presentation from the Statewide Indigenous Breastfeeding Coalition.

These sessions provided insights and practical strategies that fostered actions from participants.

Supporting lactation outcomes is a fundamental part of maternal and infant well-being.

Attendees engaged in productive discussions regarding strategies to enhance support for families, ensuring optimal health outcomes for infants.

If you would like to find out more about obtaining your Breastfeeding Friendly Certification, starting peer support opportunities in your organization / community or the variety of ways to become a Certified Lactation Consultant please reach out to blakemant@communityhealthboard.org for more information.

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