STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Dozens of mothers and children recently celebrated National Breastfeeding Month at the third annual Breastfeeding Celebration, hosted by the Community Health Center of Richmond (CHCR) at Clove Lakes Park.
“This event recognizes all that they’ve [mothers] put into their baby and celebrates that. It’s not always easy to breastfeed, it’s natural, but it’s not always easy, so we want to recognize them for giving the effort for trying to give their baby the best start,” said Marcia Santiago, a certified doula who works with CHCR.
“Also, it brings attention and awareness to other families that are maybe in the park seeing this going on and kind of begins to normalize breastfeeding — and that’s part of the image we created. A lot of times moms feel like they have to hide or go into a stall to breastfeed, but we want to normalize breastfeeding again, and make people recognize the importance and health benefits of it.”
“This event recognizes all that they’ve [mothers] put into their baby and celebrates that. It’s not always easy to breastfeed, it’s natural, but it’s not always easy, so we want to recognize them for giving the effort for trying to give their baby the best start,” said Marcia Santiago, a certified doula. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi
Attendees were recognized with a certificate for their dedication to nurturing their infant through breastfeeding and for overcoming the challenges that come with it. Additionally, each mother was presented with a portrait capturing her in the act of breastfeeding.
Each mother at the event was presented with a portrait capturing her in the act of breastfeeding. Here, Judith Vives holds the portrait of her and her child. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi
Raffles were drawn for prizes, including strollers, breast pumps, gift baskets, baby carriers, book bags and more — some of which were provided by New York Foundling’s Healthy Families, a free…
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