Our first G.E.M.s Meeting!

It was SO exciting to see seven lovely, dedicated women arrive to our FIRST group yesterday afternoon! All are moms with children in the NICU with differing diagnoses, but all share the common thread of providing breast milk for their vulnerable infant!  We got to know each mom and her baby, and discussed pumping, milk supply, transitioning to breast, as well as myths/truths about breast milk and breastfeeding!
Here is what some of the moms had to say about the most helpful part of today's group:
"Relating to other moms"
"There was just a lot of good, useful information"
"[Learning] to keep a [pump] log to document time interval and amount"

Each mom received a hand-sewn satchel (modeled above by our beautiful participants; thank you Kim!) for storing pumping equipment, and Medela accessories (breast pads, lanolin, quick clean wipes). We provided some decadent muffins, truffles, scones, and fresh fruit...as well as Keurig drinks!

We also raffled off TWO sugar scrubs made by Sweet Sunny Girl. Thank you, Amy (fellow NICU nurse), for your sweet donation!!

Thank you, Moms, for a successful group. I hope you each walked away with some useful information, and ENCOURAGEMENT, as well as the power to advocate for your child and your plans to provide human milk/breastfeed!!!!

I am inspired by your stories and dedication to your babies, and I look forward to the next GEMs meeting in March!