support groups in virginia
find your tribe!
Do you know of a breastfeeding community coalition or support group in Virginia that needs to be added to this list? Let us know at valovesbreastfeeding@gmail.com.
Attachment Parenting International Support Groups – Attachment Parenting is an application of sensitive responsive parenting. Attachment Parenting is based in the practice of nurturing parenting methods that create strong emotional bonds, also known as secure attachment, between children and their parent(s). This style of parenting encourages responsiveness to children’s emotional needs, enabling children to develop trust that their needs will be met. As a result, this strong attachment helps children develop the capacity for secure, empathic, peaceful, and enduring relationships that follow them into adulthood.
Appalachian Breastfeeding Network - ABN’s Mission is to work towards transformation of breastfeeding culture in Appalachia by providing empowerment and education to increase access to care. In the Appalachian region, we see staggering breastfeeding rates that are much lower than the rest of the nation. Our network is dedicated to work towards changing these dismal statistics and helping every mom and baby have the access to care that they deserve and education to make their own informed decisions.
Baby-Friendly Hospitals In Virginia – The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program that was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1991 to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding. It recognizes and awards birthing facilities who successfully implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (i) and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (ii). The BFHI assists hospitals in giving all mothers the information, confidence, and skills necessary to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies or feeding formula safely, and gives special recognition to hospitals that have done so.
Become A Breastfeeding-Friendly Business In Virginia - Show support for breastfeeding women in your community by displaying a 4×4″Breastfeeding Welcome Here” sticker on your business’ window!
Blue Ridge Breastfeeding Coalition
B.R.E.A.S.T. Roanoke. B.R.E.A.S.T. stands for Breastfeeding: Rights, Education, Advocacy, Support Team. The mission of B.R.E.A.S.T. Roanoke is to educate, advocate and support families in the Roanoke Valley along their breastfeeding journey. We aim to empower women across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic boundaries to create space for themselves and their children in their work and leisure life so as to breastfeed their children as they see fit.
Child Development Resources. Pregnant moms and moms of non-crawling babies (residing in Williamsburg/James City County/York County and Poquoson) are welcome to join us on Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. for an informative, supportive moms group focusing on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support. The group meets in a relaxing atmosphere where moms can share their struggles and triumphs.
Consortium for Infant and Child Health, CINCH, Eastern Virginia Medical School. With Eastern Virginia Medical School serving as our lead agency, CINCH is committed to using research and data to drive our initiatives which include education and training, advocacy and working with our partners to improve their programs and services. View The CINCH Story to learn more about our history and accomplishments.
CINCH Resource. A PDF helping businesses become breastfeeding educated and friendly. Also if you ever have an incident where you are asked to leave or cover up in a public place please let CINCH know. They are tracking these incidents. Additionally, they offer training to the site where it occurred so that it won’t happen again.
DC Breastfeeding Coalition (for those in Northern Virginia). The DC Breastfeeding Coalition was established to increase the breastfeeding rates of all infants living in the District of Columbia. Working in partnership with maternal and child health professionals, community health organizations, and mother-to-mother support groups, the DC Breastfeeding Coalition seeks to promote, protect and support culturally-sensitive programs and activities that build awareness and understanding of the preventive health benefits of breastfeeding.
How To Host A Baby Comfort Station This guide was created by the Virginia Breastfeeding Task Force and La Leche League of the Mountain Empire.
La Leche League Groups In Virginia – La Leche League Leaders in Virginia and West Virginia offer meetings and breastfeeding cafes, and help mothers by phone and in person. The locations of LLL meetings and breastfeeding cafes in Virginia and West Virginia are shown on this map.
La Leche League of Northern Shenandoah Vallery. La Leche League NSV Leaders are parent volunteers, educated and accredited by La Leche League International to provide FREE, evidence based, inclusive, community lactation support. LLL NSV serves families in Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. For more personal or time sensitive issues please reach out to us directly by emailing NorthernShenandoahLLL@gmail.com or calling/texting (540) 300-7994 and a Leader will respond as soon as possible.
Loudon Breastfeeding Coalition
Mocha Moms of Virginia Mocha Moms, Inc. is the premier voice for mothers of color. Through chapters and online, Mocha Moms, Inc. provides support for women of color as they journey through all phases of motherhood while advocating for them nationally. Mocha Moms, Inc. also encourages the spirit of community activism and service among its members. Mocha Moms, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Mocha Moms, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, socio-economic level, education, or religion. Anyone who supports the mission and purpose of Mocha Moms, Inc. is welcome to join.
Postpartum Support Virginia. PSV helps new and expectant mothers and their families overcome anxiety and depression.
RVABreastfeeds - The Richmond Health Action Alliance is a Healthy Communities Action Team (HCAT) funded by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. The goal of this HCAT is to reduce childhood obesity, particularly among low income African American and Hispanic populations, through the promotion of breastfeeding and physical activities in the Richmond Metro Area. #RVABreastfeeds is supported through funding and in-kind support from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, Richmond City WIC, and Nurture.
