BREASTFEEDING CAFE: Wednesdays 10am
We welcome ALL pregnant and lactating people – whether you are breastfeeding, exclusively pumping and bottle feeding, combo feeding with formula or donor human milk, adoptive breastfeeding, inducing lactation or relactating. We are honored to offer you judgement-free support wherever you are on your journey.
Our informal breastfeeding support group is a place for you to spend time with other breastfeeding parents and our group facilitator to ask questions, listen, share and learn more about parenting through breastfeeding in a friendly, safe, non-judgmental and supportive environment. Our Breastfeeding Cafe is facilitated by Alison Spath, IBCLC.
WHEN: Weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM until 11:45 or so
You are welcome and encouraged to drop in at any point during our time together.
Will we see you at our next gathering?
Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. You are welcome to drop in.
To attend this group, we’re kindly asking for your financial support of $3 per meeting. You can pay online or with cash or credit/debit card at the studio when you arrive. Your contributions truly help us keep our support groups going strong, thank you so much for helping us help you and other families and babies in our community. Payment is greatly appreciated but not required. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
WHAT HAPPENS AT BREASTFEEDING CAFE?
We always begin each meeting by answering and talking about the questions and concerns the parents in attendance bring to the meeting. Our meeting discussion tends to naturally evolve based on questions people ask or topics people bring up related to breastfeeding and infant care.
"Breastfeeding cafe is the most special place for breastfeeding parents. It can be very hard and overwhelming at first and just having a community of women to listen and share experiences with makes it much less scary. It is a beautiful space all nursing parents should be able to experience"
Amy
"I found community and connection at BBC. Being new to a Rochester and motherhood, it was a welcoming and safe place to connect, learn and most importantly, make friends"
Carly
"Breastfeeding cafe allowed me to meet other local new chest feeding parents, in a safe, non-judgemental place. It is also where I learned what I needed to be successful at breastfeeding for a year. I considered myself a relatively prepared first time mom but still managed to be completely unaware that tounge and lip ties were a thing or what mastitis was. I learned how to use my pump effectively and even used the bathroom alone thanks to the other parents around. Come when you can, leave when you need to, but seriously just go. ❤️ "
Jess
"I started attending the breastfeeding cafe just after my second baby was born. I didn’t know anyone and didn’t need specific help, I just wanted to be around other moms and babies. I love the sense of community and how loving and welcoming and supporting the vibe is, to everyone. "
Sam
"As a first time mom and the first of my friends to have a baby, I often doubt that I am doing things "right." The comfort and support I have found at Breastfeeding Cafe has made the transition to motherhood feel less overwhelming. Sharing struggles, anxieties, victories, and curiosities each week provides a profound sense of assurance that I can thrive in my new role as a mother and provide my baby with the physical and emotional nourishment she needs."
Ashley
"Wonderful. Alison is so knowledgeable, helpful and supportive. This helped me so much postpartum. I miss the breastfeeding cafe now that my little one is too old to go. It is a great program and I can’t say enough good things about it. The community is amazing."
Allison
"A nurse at our pediatrician’s office recommended attending Breastfeeding Cafe because I was drowning in worry and doubt at our 1 week old check up. I attended my very first Cafe with a 9 day old baby and was welcomed by a room full of breastfeeding/chestfeeding parents and their nurslings spread all over the room and carpet. It wasn’t long before this group felt like home to me. I learned so much, felt safe to ask questions, and when I experienced a really bonkers case of mastitis, these people were my rock!"
Jackie
"The people I have met from attending this group are some of the most important people and relationships I’ve ever had to date. It’s truly a special place to be, learn, and grow. “Come when you can, leave when you need to.” is the come as you are vibe of this wonderful group!"
New Mom
Need breastfeeding support?
If you are struggling with a complex or challenging breastfeeding issue that requires extra attention, it’s possible a private breastfeeding consultation might be most helpful for you and your baby. You are welcome to talk with Alison before or after the meeting if you would like to learn more about lactation consultations through BBC to decide if a private lactation consult would be most helpful for you.
You are always welcome to join us regardless of what might be going on for you, know that we are here to help if you feel personalized help might be best. We are also happy to make referrals and recommendations to area providers as needed.
Questions?
You are welcome to reach out to us at breastfeeding@bbcroc.com or call, text or email Alison Spath directly at 585-451-9968.
Breastfeeding Cafe is FaCilitated by:
Alison Spath, IBCLC, Body Ready Method Pro, CD(DONA)
Alison cares deeply about the importance of personal and informed decision-making and aims to provide her clients with evidence-based information in all things related to pregnancy, birth, feeding and early parenthood. Alison’s own birth and breastfeeding experiences along with her work with hundreds of families over the years has taught her that there are often unpredictable bumps and turns on this journey. What’s most important to her is that you were informed of your options and feel supported, heard and respected throughout all the many decisions you will make during this time in your life.
At BBC, Alison teaches our Intro to Breastfeeding class for expecting parents, facilitates our weekly breastfeeding support group Breastfeeding Cafe, offers private in home (or at BBC) lactation consults and manages our yoga studio. Alison is currently accepting lactation clients and accepts birth doula clients on a limited basis.
