DENVER — Recognizing the barriers that limit the Hispanic community's access to breastfeeding resources, a co-op in Colorado is hosting educational events during Latinx Breastfeeding Week, which is observed Sept. 3-9.
Cuenta Conmigo, a cooperative based in Jefferson County that provides maternal and child health services, said it is trying to teach Coloradans the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first months of a baby's life and raise awareness about resources that families can access regardless of their immigration status or health insurance.
In a news release, the group said it found that a high percentage of Hispanic mothers across the state do not exclusively breastfeed due to a lack of access to information and language barriers.
"Many of the mothers we spoke with expressed frustration with breastfeeding because they don't know where to ask for help," said Paulina Erices, a member of Cuenta Conmigo, in the release. "This is compounded by language difficulties, the fear of not having health insurance, and the lack of a support network, as their relatives are in other countries."
The co-op added that studies conducted by the Institute for Innovation in Community Health supported their local findings, indicating that cultural and linguistic barriers were behind the lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding among Hispanic women.
During Latinx Breastfeeding Week, Cuenta Conmigo is holding the following events to educate participants about the challenges faced by Hispanic families when breastfeeding while also making space for people to share experiences and make connections:
- In-person event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4
- Location: 3831 W. Custer Place in Denver
- Lunch and activities for children will be provided. Anyone who is interested should register in advance, as space is limited.
- Virtual event at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9
According to the release, Cuenta Conmigo has a team of nationally certified lactation consultants who have experience working with Latinx families and offer free breastfeeding consultations, which have reportedly benefitted more than 370 families.