New Clinic Offers Free Breastfeeding Support and Connection
Whether families are preparing to welcome a new baby, navigating the early days of parenthood or seeking care for a growing child, BayCare’s Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor is there to support them every step of the way.
The hospital recently launched a Baby Café, giving families in Pinellas County and beyond a welcoming place to find breastfeeding support, connect with other parents and receive guidance from lactation experts.
In partnership with Champions for Children and its “A Breastfeeding and Childbirth (ABC) Program,” the Baby Café clinic provides free, comprehensive breastfeeding support.
During the weekly clinic, which is open to anyone in the community, participants can meet one-on-one with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to address feeding challenges, work toward breastfeeding goals and receive personalized support. Families do not need to be BayCare patients to participate.
In addition to professional guidance, the Baby Café gives parents an opportunity to connect with others who may be experiencing many of the same questions, challenges and milestones that come with welcoming a new baby.
“The early days of parenthood can be both joyful and overwhelming,” said Brenda Carvalho, director of Patient Services-Women’s Services at Mease Countryside and Morton Plant hospitals. “Baby Café offers moms and families a place to connect, ask questions and receive expert breastfeeding support. We’re thankful to Champions for Children for helping us expand this free resource for families across Pinellas County.”
The partnership marks Champions for Children’s first Baby Café location within a hospital and expands access to services through community collaboration. Together, they are supporting more parents, babies and families where they are needed most.
