Northwest Indiana, August 27th, 2024—CoAction’s WIC program and the NWI Breastfeeding Coalition came together on Saturday, August 24th, at CoAction’s central office to celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with an uplifting and supportive community event. The gathering was a testament to the dedication of both organizations to supporting and honoring breastfeeding mothers in Northwest Indiana.
The event featured a diverse lineup of activities designed to engage and support attendees:
- Interactive Games: Fun and inclusive games provided entertainment for all ages, fostering a sense of community.
- Live Music by Miss Caitlyn: Miss Caitlyn’s lively performances graced the event, adding a festive and joyous atmosphere.
- Yoga Sessions: Gentle yoga sessions allowed attendees to relax and rejuvenate, contributing to the event’s focus on well-being.
- Community Resources: Local organizations provided valuable information and support, helping attendees access essential breastfeeding resources.
Claudia Peña, Communications Manager at CoAction, spoke about the significance of community support.
“The early stages of motherhood can feel quite lonely,” Peña said. “I hope that everyone leaves today’s event knowing they have someone to talk to and are not alone. Several members of the NWI Breastfeeding Coalition helped me find resources that allowed me to successfully breastfeed my youngest daughter for a year. I’m grateful for their support and hope to extend it to others.”
Racquel Krause, Co-Chair of the NWI Breastfeeding Coalition and Co-Owner of Momsense, highlighted the event’s goals of reducing stigma and fostering open conversations about breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding is an essential aspect of modern women’s health, and it will remain so in future years,” Krause said. “One of the goals of this event is to bring the topic of breastfeeding into everyday conversation and, in so doing, help people to be less awkward when talking about it. Another goal is to celebrate the moms who breastfed for a minute, a day, a month, or five years. We gather with them and let them know we’re here for them. I love working with moms and babies and enjoyed coordinating this event with CoAction. Events like this build up partnerships that bring about positive changes within the community.”
The event showcased the power of community collaboration in supporting breastfeeding and family health. Kassy Mowbray, Breastfeeding Supervisor at CoAction, reflected on the day’s success, noting, “It was inspiring to see our community come together to celebrate and support breastfeeding. This event highlights the importance of breastfeeding and demonstrates our collective commitment to supporting one another.”
For more information about WIC services, visit www.CoAction.care/WIC.