Durham's mission to become more breastfeeding friendly
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Photos: Durham Parks and Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation, alongside the advocacy organization Breastfeed Durham, is aiming to make the city more breastfeeding-friendly.
Why it matters: A decade ago, Breastfeed Durham's chief operations officer Love Anderson was told to "cover up" while she was breastfeeding in one of the city's parks, Anderson told Axios.
- Other families have shared similar stories with her over the years, she said.
Driving the news: That's part of why Anderson is championing a new initiative in Durham, called "10 Steps to a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community."
- Part of that initiative includes placing signs in the city's parks that depict families of different races and gender expressions. They read, "Breastfeeding Welcome," or its Spanish translation, "Lactancia Bienvenida."
- "When we first launched this project, a local mom hugged me, crying, saying, 'Where were you when my babies were little?'" Anderson said in an email.
- "Her words remind me why this work is so important, and why it's vital to make public spaces welcoming for all."
What's next: Breastfeed Durham and the city's parks department plan to install 40 signs, designed by local artist L Jámal Walton, in parks across the city in the coming weeks, per INDY Week.