Back in January we had a carnival about breastfeeding resolutions, and as the year draws to a close I thought I'd check in about what I've accomplished so far.
Finish Spanish for Breastfeeding Support. Done! It's out, and you can listen to clips of the audio here, and buy it here or on Amazon. So far we've gotten a great response, including this just released review from the International Lactation Consultants Association.
Recruit mothers for breastfeeding/biopsy study. Done, and ongoing. The first year of recruitment for this study was a huge success, exceeding our recruitment targets. One area where we need to improve is in the recruitment of African American moms, and that's the next goal.
Distribute pumps to WIC. Done! We got three Lactina hospital-grade multi-user pumps to WIC offices in our area, and they are loaning them out as needed to moms who need pumps but can't afford to rent one. It depleted our coalition's treasury, but I think it was a great thing to do for moms in our communities.
Hold a breastpump training. Done! We held a training for WIC and other breastfeeding support folks in March, and it went well. We also held a Baby Friendly event with local hospital representatives, and that went very well.
Get the word out about Massachusetts' new nursing in public law. Done. We have our business cards with the new law in a number of locations in the area, but could use a little more outreach in this area.
Help get pumping rooms set up at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Done, but more needed. There is now one pumping space at UMass in the student union, but more are needed. The group working on this sort of dissolved, but perhaps in the new year we can renew the effort.
Get trained to accept breastmilk donations. Done! I attended a training sponsored by the Mother's Milk Bank of New England, and our freezer is set up. As soon as we get the green light to start accepting donations, we'll purchase a temperature monitor and will be ready to go!
Do more podcasts. Done! I did a number this year, on African American moms and breastfeeding, Ban the Bags, how other mammals feed their babies, tandem nursing, celebrities and breastfeeding, and sexual abuse and breastfeeding. These were really fun to do.
And finally, cut back a little! Done, kinda. his has been a hard one. I've said no to a couple of things, but I've always had a hard time with that. I did decide to stop chairing our local breastfeeding coalition, so that will free up some time. I have a particularly hard time not providing free email help to mothers I know, which really cuts in to the time I need for my paid responsibilities. This is an ongoing effort.
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