New group for black breastfeeding moms

The BEST for Babies Alliance will be hosting weekly breastfeeding support groups for African-American moms in Durham County on Monday evenings and Friday afternoons through March 12.

The groups are part of a research study to support African-American women who choose to breastfeed. The breastfeeding rate among African-American moms lags behind other groups, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Services.

Moms who agree to take part in the study by attending the groups will get a gift for mom or baby each week. Infants are welcome and childcare and food will be provided. Moms are welcome to drop in.

The sessions will be held Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, 904 Roxboro Rd., in Durham.

There will be information and resources, plus a chance to speak with a breastfeeding expert about your questions and concerns.

The alliance is a parternership of the Community Health Coalition in Durham County and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For details, contact Elizabeth Jensen at 919-966-1370 or ecjensen@email.unc.edu.