Our Cincinnati market is proud to support mothers and promote breastfeeding through our Baby Café program.
This initiative goes beyond traditional clinical services, offering compassionate, community-based support that empowers mothers on their breastfeeding journey. With a mission to reduce racial disparities in breastfeeding, Baby Café provides an essential resource to mothers who need guidance and support on their journey.
What is the mission behind Baby Café?
This program aims to break down barriers that often prevent successful breastfeeding.
“The goal is to provide an opportunity for expectant and seasoned parents to connect and support one another while increasing access to professional breastfeeding support and education,” Kimberly McGinnis, manager of our perinatal outreach program, shares.
Baby Café is made possible through a partnership between our ministry as well as the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library. Baby Café is hosted at the Forest Park Public Library, where parents can drop in casually, socialize and receive breastfeeding consultation in a comfortable setting. And we proudly provide the breastfeeding expertise and resources necessary to ensure the program’s success.
“Mercy Health facilitates Baby Café by committing staff time and resources to support breastfeeding families in the community,” Kimberly adds. “This partnership makes it easier for parents to receive support in an environment that feels familiar and welcoming for all.”
What sets the support from Baby Café apart?
What makes Baby Café unique is its emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity.
Unlike traditional breastfeeding support, which often takes place in clinical settings, Baby Café provides care in a community environment. This reduces the unease that some mothers may feel when seeking help.
Additionally, Baby Café’s staff is trained to provide culturally competent care.
“Our lactation professionals have been trained to support racially diverse parents,” Kimberly notes. “For example, one of our certified lactation counselors underwent training from ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere), a nonprofit committed to reducing breastfeeding disparities for African American women by creating a community of support.”
Nia Richardson is a certified lactation counselor at Mercy Health – West Hospital as well as a postpartum nurse and childbirth educator. She proudly plays a vital role in the Baby Café program and her compassion is evident in her work.
“My inspiration for breastfeeding support is rooted in my passion to help mothers,” she shares. “I’ve been privileged to serve mothers for more than 17 years and Baby Café gives me the opportunity to come alongside them and assist with breastfeeding in a variety of ways.”
Nia explains that one of the most common challenges mothers face is difficulty with latching, which can lead to other complications like sore nipples or inadequate milk transfer.
“At Baby Café, mothers not only receive hands-on support and personalized guidance, but they also find a unique emotional and social outlet. The community aspect of Baby Café helps mothers form connections and feel supported in their journey.”
Nia fondly recalls one success story that captures the impact of Baby Café.
“One of my most memorable experiences was with a mom I met during a childbirth class. She remembered hearing about Baby Café and decided to attend. Through consistent visits and guidance, we worked on developing appropriate latching techniques for her and her baby. After several weeks of adjustments and building trust, her baby not only began latching on but sustained the latch. It was a rewarding experience for both of us and I was genuinely privileged to witness her success.”
This story of trust, adjustment and perseverance is just one example of how Baby Café makes a difference in the lives of mothers and their babies.
What about advice for mothers?
For mothers embarking on their breastfeeding journey, Nia offers the following advice.
“Embrace the joy of the experience. While breastfeeding can present challenges, it is also a unique and rewarding journey that can bring immense joy to both mother and baby. And with the support of programs like Baby Café, both new and seasoned mothers can find comfort in knowing that they are not alone on this journey.”
The community response to Baby Café has been positive, with many mothers expressing gratitude for the support they receive. As the program continues to grow, our ministry looks forward to expanding its reach and helping even more families achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Baby Café programs outside the Cincinnati area can be located at www.babycafeusa.org.
Do you live in the Cincinnati, Ohio area? Learn more about the maternity programs available at West Hospital.
Also, learn more about all the maternity care services we provide at Mercy Health.
