H.E.R. Institute is expanding its breastfeeding resources to assist Spanish-speaking families with the opening of a new NOLA Baby Café at Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner.
The mission of NOLA Baby Café is to reduce breastfeeding disparities by providing a free space for families and bringing breastfeeding support to communities that have traditionally lacked breastfeeding role models, community and peer support, and may have experienced cultural misconceptions. NOLA Baby Café is licensed by Café USA and adheres to their guidelines.
NOLA Baby Café is open every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. in the Creole Room of Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner, located at 200 West Esplanade Ave. This collaboration provides free resources covering perinatal health, breastfeeding, child development, and positive parenting practices geared to expecting parents, parents with children, families, and caregivers.
“Breastmilk feeding is one of the most important ways we can improve the health of our babies and mothers. At Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner, we are excited to partner with the H.E.R. Institute and NOLA Baby Café to meet our patients and community where they are to remove barriers to breastfeeding and provide an additional place to turn to for support, guidance and advice,” said Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, head of women’s services, Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner.
Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner will provide free space and access to increase breastfeeding support, education, and awareness for the new joint project. H.E.R. Institute will operate the NOLA Baby Cafe’, a safe, non-judgmental space for breastfeeding families with trained staff including an international board-certified lactation consultant.
NOLA Baby Café has served as a resource for mothers since 2016.