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: Benny and June at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
01:41PM / Thursday, November 12, 2026

ARLINGTON, Vt. — There is a sibling pair waiting for their new home at Second Chance Animal Shelter.

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

Benny and June are a brother and sister duo who are eight months old.

Feline program administrator Santana Snyder introduced us to them.

"Benny is quite a bit larger than June," she said. "June went through a little stint when she was little, not really growing, so we do believe she'll probably be a little bit of a petite cat most of her life. Benny, on the other hand, is quite large for his age."

The two have been at the shelter since May after being born outside of the shelter.

"Their mom was a stray kitty and gave birth to the kittens outside," she said. "Someone found them, took them in, and cared for them until they could come here, just because they couldn't care for them long term. They did have other siblings, but the other siblings have been adopted, and mom has been adopted as well."

The two are bonded and would need to go home together, as being together is their favorite thing.

"They love to play. They are bonded. They do need to go home together," she said. "They love cuddling up in their bed and playing together, cleaning each other. They haven't ventured out onto the patio yet. Since they are little, we try to keep them inside until they're at least a year old. But they like watching out the window. That's for sure."

The two are quite independent but can go home with other cats and kids and possibly a dog.

"Benny is definitely more outgoing than June," she said. "She's a little bit more reserved, but he definitely helps her come out of her shell. They're both very sweet, a little bit independent for being kittens."

It is important that you keep up with the vet for the two.

"Just because June did go through that stint of not really growing, and she's still growing, but very slowly," she said. "We've done all the tests that we can possibly think of to do for her, and we've not found anything that would cause that to be an issue. But that just seems to be her. So just working with your vet closely to make sure that she continues to grow and doesn't develop any other health issues."

The two are on a prescription diet that can be a bit expensive, but they will need to stay on it.

"They are on a prescription diet. They do have some gastrointestinal issues that we've worked through and been able to find something that works well for them. So that is prescription," she said. "You'll have to work pretty closely with your vet to maintain their issues and continue that food. Otherwise, very healthy kitties."

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