Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month

08:34AM / Monday, August 12, 2024Print Story | Email Story

Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month

Tips and Resources for Nursing Families

Breastfeeding is recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients and immune-boosting properties. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, continuing for as long as mutually desired, ideally up to two years or beyond.

Research indicates that breastfeeding can significantly reduce the risk of various health issues in both infants and mothers, including respiratory infections, allergies, and certain cancers in mothers.

While breastfeeding is considered the natural way to feed, it can present some challenges for moms and babies. With problems ranging from low milk supply and pain while nursing, to infants struggling to latch on and plugged milk ducts, it is easy for parents to become discouraged. With patience, guidance from experienced lactation consultants, and support from other nursing families, it is possible to overcome issues and establish a happy and successful feeding situation.

Some of the resources available to nursing families in the SVMC community include:

Breastfeeding for New Parents Classes: Developed for new parents and members of their support teams, this in-person class is led by a certified lactation consultant who shares the benefits of breastfeeding, what to expect during the first feedings, positioning options, helpful equipment, returning to work, overcoming challenges and more. Held every two months at the hospital, the class is free. Register here.

The Baby Café: A service provided by the Women's and Children's Services of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, The Baby Café is a free, drop-in, informal breastfeeding support group staffed with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and/or RNs. From questions about lactation, accessing the local milk bank, and weaning, to tips for latching on, pumping, and storing milk, the Baby Café is the perfect place for anyone seeking information related to feeding infants human milk. Plus, it provides parents and caregivers the chance to share experiences and challenges of feeding your infant.

Based out of the Bennington Community Market, the Baby Café is free and open every Wednesday from 11 to 12:30pm. No registration is required, and siblings and other children are welcome.

The Milk Bank: Families that give birth at SVMC can receive Pasteurized Human Donor Milk (PHDM) both in the hospital and once they've returned home if there is a mother- or newborn-related medical reason for PHDM. Reasons might include a mother's milk not being available due to a medical issue or a baby having difficulty with breastfeeding. PHDM is also helpful if the baby is premature, loses too much weight, or has jaundice or low blood sugars.

By raising awareness and fostering supportive environments, we can ensure that all families have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive during National Breastfeeding Month and beyond.

Bridget Bromirksi, C-PNP,IBCLC is a nurse in Women's and Children's Services Department at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

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Companion Corner: Odie at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
02:07PM / Thursday, October 22, 2026

ARLINGTON, VT — There is a sweet Beagle boy waiting for his new family to play with.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Odie is a four year old Beagle who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him.

"He came to us with another beagle friend because his previous owner was moving. As you can see he's a very loving, sweet, sweet boy. He loves his toys and he loves to snuggle. He also loves going outside and running and rolling in all the grass, frolicking along the grass."

Odie loves his stuffies and will even play with other dogs once he isn't shy.

"He does well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous at first meeting other pups, but he does do well with them. We think he'll get along with cats just fine, and kids too, as long as they're respectful."

He would love someone who will cuddle him and give him all of the pets he deserves and throw some stuffed toys around for him.

"The perfect home is honestly just someone who wants to give him snuggles and play with him. He's a pretty easygoing dude. He really just loves affection. Like he'll just come up to you and stand and wait for pets all the time. So, someone who wants a snuggle buddy, who's also you know he's a good age for a snuggle buddy, but also can play with him quite a bit."

He would also love someone who will take him outside to roll around and run as fast as he can or a long walk to enjoy some more sights he has yet to see.

"His favorite things again: toys, snuggles, kisses. Favorite activities are just going outside for walks. He loves to go for long walks with some of our volunteers."

He does not know basic commands like sit but he is very happy to learn.

While he did come to the shelter with some medical needs he is getting them treated and is healthy and ready for his new family.

"He came in and he was positive for Lyme and anaplasmosis, but we are treating him currently for that. Other than that, as far as we're aware, he's a pretty healthy, young boy."

If you need or want a new companion in your home consider meeting Odie.

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