August 4, 2023 • 43 mins
Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with an eye-opening conversation featuring B'More For Healthy Babies Director Stacey B. Stephens and lactation counselor Shasha Satchell! Discover how this collaborative program is revolutionizing the lives of new mothers, babies, and even fathers in Baltimore, transforming communities like the Upton/Druid Heights neighborhood, which witnessed an astounding 75 percent reduction in infant mortality rates. As we delve into National Black Breastfeeding Week in the last week of August, Stephens and Satchell candidly discuss the unique challenges faced by the Black community and how the program is empowering new families, creating advocates for new moms, and fostering a healthier future. Join us to gain valuable insights and essential tips every new breastfeeding mom should know! For more information about the program, visit https://www.healthybabiesbaltimore.com.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dana Rampolla (00:00):
So Charles, I have a question for you.
(00:01):
And this is a little bit of apersonal nature, but I'm
wondering, and you'll find outwhy in a minute.
I'm wondering, were you abreastfed baby?
Charles Schelle (00:10):
Interesting.
From what I've been told, yes,but I don't really remember
anything before I was likethree.
I'm going to just say yes.
but I know that you have fivechildren and a new grand baby
too.
So I'll, I'll play along.
Dana, do you have any experienceeither being breastfed or
nursing your own babies?
Dana Rampolla (00:28):
I don't think that I was breastfed.
My mom died when I was young andall I have is my my baby book.
So I don't think that I wasbecause it doesn't mention it,
but I did breastfeed all five ofmy kids.
I'm a strong advocate forbreastfeeding.
But I will say when I started,when I had our first baby, there
was no one around me who wasnursing or breastfeeding their
(00:49):
babies.
I was the first baby.
First person in our family,first person in our friends
circle, all that sort of thing.
So not having been aroundnursing mothers, I was kind of
at a loss.
And fortunately I had started anew job teaching and the woman I
worked with was having a babyalso.
And she was an experienced momwho had nursed her three
(01:09):
children.
So she provided a great deal ofsupport, but you know, because
it's National BreastfeedingMonth, I just keep thinking
like.
How do women figure this outnowadays?
When, I mean, I guess you havethe internet, you can Google
anything, but I feel likebreastfeeding is one of those
special things where sometimesyou need a hands on or a good
moral support mentor in yourlife.
(01:29):
So that's why I asked.
Charles Schelle (01:31):
Well, as you said, Dana, August is National
Breastfeeding Month, and there'salso National Black
Breastfeeding Week that takesplace August 25th through the
31st.
So in this episode, we're proudto share the work that some
University of Maryland,Baltimore changemakers are doing
right here in the Baltimorecommunity, not just through
lactation counseling, but aspart of the larger B'More For
(01:53):
Healthy Babies program.
Today, our guests are StaceyStevens.
She's a clinical instructor inthe University of Maryland
School of Social Work.
She does work with the Centerfor Restorative Change.
That's the new name of SWACOs orthe Social Work Community
Outreach Service.
We had an episode before of oneof those programs, Positive
School Center.
(02:13):
So you may remember that name.
So they're now the Center forRestorative Change.
B'More for Healthy Babies is aninitiative that works with both
the School of Social Work, theUniversity of Maryland School of
Medicine, underneath theBaltimore City Health Department
that offers prenatal andpostnatal services to Baltimore
families.
So we'll be sharing a lot aboutthat program and what it does.
(02:36):
And she's joined by ShashaSatchell.
Shasha is a community healthworker from the University of
Maryland School of Social Work,and she works there as the
lactation counselor.
You're listening to theheartbeat of the University of
Maryland Baltimore, the UMBPulse.
Dana Rampolla (03:04):
Welcome Stacey and Shasha.
I'm super excited to have youhere as an advocate for
breastfeeding.
I had five children of my ownand proudly breastfed all of
them.
So I'm excited to have thisconversation.
I think it's really important.
And it is August, which isNational Breastfeeding Month and
it's National BlackBreastfeeding Week.
Why is it important todifferentiate between the two?
(03:26):
Is this because there'sbreastfeeding disparities in it
and inequities in the Blackcommunity?
And if so, can you tell us aboutthat?
Stacey Stephens (03:35):
Absolutely, Dana.
Thank you so much for having uson.
It's a pleasure to be here withthe University of Maryland
Baltimore audience.
And so, yes, There aredisparities longstanding
disparities between AfricanAmerican women, breastfeeding
rates and white women'sbreastfeeding rates.
(03:55):
And a lot of that has to dowith, as we know just racial
Inequities that exists aroundstructural barriers and social
barriers that black women havehad to overcome.
And a lot of this dates back tobeing enslaved.
And so when we look at that, weknow that breastfeeding has
tremendous benefits to mom andalso baby.
(04:19):
And we know that historically,Black women when they were
enslaved, they were oftentimeswet nurses, wet nursing for
white women's children.
And so as we fast forward tocurrent day, there are many
challenges that women face andmaking sure that they have the
(04:39):
support that they need andinformation that they need in
order to be successful.
And we'll be looking forward tosharing more details about that
now, but those inequities exist.
And so there's a need to elevateand celebrate and educate during
Black Breastfeeding Week, whichis the last week of August.
Charles Schelle (05:00):
Stacey, that's a perfect opportunity to talk
about what is B'More for HealthyBabies and who does it serve?
Stacey Stephens (05:07):
Thanks, Charles.
So B'More for Healthy Babies isa first and foremost, a citywide
initiative that is basicallyoverseen by the Baltimore City
Health Department, the FamilyLeague of Baltimore and
Healthcare Access Maryland.
It's a collective impact modelthat has well over 30 strategic
(05:28):
partners to really reduce theinfant mortality rate throughout
Baltimore City.
And we work in the part of beingmore for healthy babies in the
communities of Upton and DruidHeights and the greater
Mondawmin communities, which arebasically a place based
initiative out of the Universityof Maryland School of Social
(05:50):
Work and Medicine in partnershipto really ensure that every baby
born in these two communitiesand throughout West Baltimore
are born healthy and of a greatweight and are able to thrive in
the family in their families.
So we're looking at them notonly ensuring that babies are
(06:11):
born healthy, but we also wantto make sure that moms are able
to deliver and also live to seetheir baby's first birthday and
beyond.
So we're talking about reallyimproving the health of families
in those three communities.
Charles Schelle (06:29):
And it's important to note, as you
mentioned, your, your work isfocused on those communities,
but you also mentioned it's acitywide program.
So, if someone's listening tothis and like, well, I live in a
different part of the city canthey participate?
Stacey Stephens (06:41):
Absolutely, they can participate when they
go to their prenatal visit.
Many times their obstetricproviders will fill out a
prenatal risk assessment, and itis the way that we are able to
learn about this pregnancy, andthen we share it through
healthcare access Maryland,which is the single point of
(07:03):
entry for all pregnant women,and then there's a triage
process.
And so there are home visitorsthroughout Baltimore city.
There are community healthworkers and certified community
health workers, which is whatShasha Satchell is as well as
certified lactation counselors.
There are doulas and socialworkers who will receive those
(07:23):
referrals and then meet pregnantwomen or expectant people where
they are to support them basedon their needs.
Charles Schelle (07:33):
Shasha, tell us a little bit about yourself and
what the lactation program does.
It sounds like it's a veryintegral part of B'More for
Healthy Babies.
Shasha Satchell (07:43):
Well, yes, I have been a certified lactation
counselor since 2015, and we arecoming up on our 8 year
anniversary this October of 2023when I first came on board.
When moms were delivering and Iwas supporting them in the
hospitals they were not Brown,Black or Brown lactation
(08:06):
consultants and counselors inthe hospitals.
So, I took it upon myself whenwe had a birth I would just step
up and uh, support that mommy inwhatever her breastfeeding needs
were.
I, myself, am a mom of five andI breastfed all of my children
as well.
So, I brought in...
My own personal experience.
(08:27):
So I got tired of getting callsfrom different area hospitals.
Where moms delivered and theywere asking for breastfeeding
support.
So I went to my boss and I say,Hey, I just left the hospital
and mom delivered on Friday andshe's been discharged today on
Monday, and she neededbreastfeeding support and she
(08:51):
didn't have the support that sheneeded.
And when the nurses did come into assist her, they were not
warm.
They were not welcoming.
They were not they didn't caterto her needs.
So when I came in, supported themom, the first thing she said
was, where were you?
I needed you when I delivered mybaby.
(09:11):
And so That just goes to wherewe are today.
Again, I went to my supervisorand I said, Hey, we need to do
something about this because weneed to support moms and they
need to know that Black andBrown mamas do breastfeed their
babies.
We love our babies just as muchas our counterparts and we want
them to be happy and healthy aswell.
So that's how the Blackbreastfeeding mamas gathering
(09:34):
group came.
Dana Rampolla (09:36):
Shasha, why, as a mom who breastfed her children
and being in the medical field,do you feel that it is important
for breastfeeding to be part ofa baby's development?
Shasha Satchell (09:48):
Studies show, and as we see in our own
children, you can speak fromyour own experience, when the
difference between breastfeedingand formula fed babies they're
alert, it's helping the braindevelopment.
It's the bonding between mom andbaby, not just mom and baby, but
dad as well.
We always, always encourage ourdads to be a part of the
(10:11):
breastfeeding journey as well.
As we know, skin to skininitiates the breastfeeding from
once.
And we encourage our parents totake part in that skin to skin
as well.
And we include the whole entirefamily.
If mom has other children athome, you know, include your
children in the breastfeedingjourney and talk to them early
(10:32):
on.
I always talk to my moms aboutbreastfeeding doesn't start
after you have your baby.
It starts while you're pregnant.
So we encourage our families andour moms to learn everything
they need to know aboutbreastfeeding while they're
pregnant.
So when they do have that baby,some of those myths have been
dispelled.
And we can address thosehiccups, but if we're well
(10:56):
educated beforehand, so whenthose hiccups do arise, we know
how to take care of them.
And also to know that you havesupport in the community with
our, uh, B'More For HealthyBabies, we have three CHWs who
are certified and we also havepeer leaders that we brought on
board who also got trained andbecame peer counselors in
(11:20):
breastfeeding.
So we have support in thecommunity amongst our mommies
that join our program.
So they know that if for chancethat one of us are not
available, they can reach out toone of the community peer
counselor breastfeedingspecialists.
Dana Rampolla (11:37):
And can they reach out to you just any time,
or is it, do they have to waitfor these group or, you know,
scheduled sessions?
Shasha Satchell (11:45):
I host the Breastfeeding Mamas gathering
once a month, uh, it is heldevery first Wednesday of the
month.
My dedicated days tobreastfeeding is every
Wednesdays, but if I know thatwe have a mom who is about to
deliver and she needs to havethat support, I always keep my
phone open and available becauseI know what it is when you get
(12:06):
stuck with one of those hiccupswhen you're breastfeeding.
Or if your baby like I don'twant a nurse today.
So, you know, what does mom wantto do?
So, yeah, so, you know, it's alabor of love.
It is.
This is something that is true,near and dear to my heart, and
it brings me extreme joy to beable to support that mom in
(12:29):
whatever her breastfeedingjourney looks like, you know,
and we just support mom inhowever that looks, and I always
say to my moms, give yourselfgrace.
You just had a baby, you know,you're learning your baby, your
baby is learning you, you mayhave other children that you
might have breastfed, but eachbreastfeeding journey is
different.
No two are the same.
(12:52):
And I can say that.
Confidently cause I'm a mom offive and each experience was
different.
But to uh, to be able to assistand love and nurture on a mom or
family who really wants toexclusively breastfeed their
baby and to see them throughthat journey.
It is, it is so rewarding.
Dana Rampolla (13:14):
I agree.
I agree.
One thing you didn't mention isthat it's a really affordable
option for a family.
Shasha Satchell (13:20):
Oh, absolutely.
Yes.
So it is.
Affordable is there is ready iswaiting for baby.
You know, and that's another oneof the reasons why we do what we
do because sometimes thosebreastfeeding supplies can be a
little bit expensive.
So we make sure that we supportmom with those breastfeeding
(13:40):
supplies so when mom joins ourprogram or she's interested in
our breastfeeding group, wesupport mom with breast pumps
nursing pads, bottles, the milkstorage bags, the coverups, all
things breastfeeding, lots andlots of education is giving
during the pregnancy after theydeliver it and throughout their
whole breastfeeding journey.
(14:01):
So anytime mom is in need, we'llmake sure that we get whatever
it is that she needs so that shecan take, can continue to be
successful in her journey andhowever that looks.
Dana Rampolla (14:12):
And because your program is being offered through
the university here at theUniversity of Maryland at
Baltimore, where does thefunding come for those types of
supplies?
Stacey Stephens (14:21):
All right.
So we have several fundingsources for our work.
And so through Care First BlueCross Blue Shield, first and
foremost, they have funded ourwork for the last 12 13 years.
We also have funding from AnnieE.
Casey Foundation.
We have been fortunate to be apart of the Promise Heights
(14:43):
pipeline of services over thelast four years.
And so some of that money hasalso come from the Department of
Education through the PromiseNeighborhoods Grant.
And then we get folks who arevery interested in making
donations and they makedonations to our program through
the UMB Foundation.
And so through that, we're ableto buy breastfeeding supplies
(15:06):
and supports.
For anyone who was interested inbreastfeeding.
Dana Rampolla (15:12):
That's fantastic.
And to kind of circle back tothe whole notion of
breastfeeding.
I know when I had my children, Iwas the first one to have a baby
in my family and and in oursocial circle.
I didn't really have anybreastfeeding support.
And it does seem like there'sbeen a huge uptick in nursing.
According to the Journal ofBreastfeeding Medicine, the
(15:32):
numbers of breastfeeding moms inthe country has really increased
during the last 60 years.
I think back in the 1960s, therewas like 30% of women who
breastfed and now the data, I'mnot sure exactly what it is, but
I think it's over 60%.
So what do you, why do you thinkthat is?
What do you think has changed orwhat is encouraging women to
(15:53):
consider and try breastfeedingtheir babies?
Stacey Stephens (15:56):
I think that there have been some myths about
women and then breastfeeding,you know, uh, and people
breastfeeding.
And so I feel like in ourconversations that we have with
many of our families, when westart to have these
conversations, we learned that.
Many of the women who are in ourprogram, their mothers have
(16:16):
breastfed as well, or an auntiehas breastfed as well.
And so when they, you know,check their own families, you're
seeing that this has happenedand this is a possibility.
And I want to speak of also whenShasha was saying what we know
from the literature also is thatIf a partner is supportive of a
(16:37):
woman in breastfeeding, they aremore likely to breastfeed.
And so we do a lot of educationand engagement with fathers in
the community.
And surprisingly, some of ourstronger, strongest advocates
have been in the work that we'vedone in the barbershops.
We've got barbers who arechampions of breastfeeding.
And they also have done a videoto talk about how important
(16:58):
breastfeeding was and is fortheir partner to do their wife
to do.
And so they are champions.
They talk about the benefits ofbreastfeeding.
And so it's been interestingjust watching and hearing you
know, and coming in contact withmany of our families, how many
of them actually arebreastfeeding.
Shasha Satchell (17:18):
I know for myself when I had my first
child, I was not going tobreastfeed.
I was, you know, going to doformula because that wasn't the
thing that was done then.
And, you know, my oldest sistershe breastfed her baby but you
know I was like, I'm just goingto go ahead and formula fed.
And it was actually my husbandwho encouraged me to breastfeed
(17:39):
my son at the time.
And I was like, no, I'm justgonna, you know, go ahead and
formula feeding.
He was like, no, he was likebreastfeed.
He said, my husband is actuallyWest Indian.
So that's the normal for them.
You know, they don't give theirbabies formula.
You know, they arebreastfeeding.
They were, he came from abreastfeeding family.
So he really educated me aboutbreastfeeding earlier.
(18:02):
I was a young mom.
I was 21 when I had my firstchild and he really was an
excellent support system to me.
And so that is something that Iincorporated in our in our
groups is knowing who yoursupport system is, before you
begin the breastfeeding process,because that is the number one
(18:24):
reason why a lot of moms do notbreastfeed is because they don't
have good support at home andoutside of the home.
So once I, you know, begin toshare my story, you know, my own
personal journey, and thenallowing families that come in.
We had a lot of, couples, and wedid one on one support for them
and just actually educating dadand showing dad how much of a
(18:46):
support that he is and how muchmom needs you in this
breastfeeding journey.
So, that is I think that's keyis key to know that you have
your breastfeeding villagethat's what we call it you have
your breastfeeding village instore beforehand.
And these are the conversationsthat you need to have right now
and.
Who is going to be around.
(19:08):
So this, if you know that youhave family, family members who
are naysayers, then this is thetime that you need to say, okay,
well, we're going to step backbecause I've made a conscious
decision that I'm going tobreastfeed.
I'm going to stick with it.
However, it may look.
And if you cannot support ourdecision to breastfeed, you
know, we're just going to take astep back.
(19:30):
That doesn't mean that we don'tlove you or we don't care, but
we want to have.
A good support system around us,because mom needs to feel that
she is loved and that she issupported and that she can do
it.
And we all know that if we havesupport persons in our corner,
we can accomplish anything.
Stacey Stephens (19:51):
It's true.
Dana also want to share thatsome moms are concerned what
will happen when they return towork.
Right.
And so a part of that supportsystem is the employer, right?
Making sure that they have spacethat is designated to support
when breastfeeding people returnback to work.
(20:12):
And so I think from the sixtiesuntil now, I would like to think
that we have far more lactationrooms that can accommodate women
when they come to breastfeedthat are comfortable and have
refrigerators well stocked tosupport women when they return
back to work.
So that is a critical piece.
And I know that the MarylandBreastfeeding Coalition has been
(20:35):
really strong in advocating forthis throughout the state of
Maryland successfully.
Charles Schelle (20:41):
it's great that you mentioned dads and the
barbershop initiative.
How are some ways that you arebringing in dads to the fold?
And what are some tips or advicethat you're giving them to be
that support?
Shasha Satchell (20:54):
Well, I always tell dads, you are mom's best
advocate.
It's something about a strengthin a man's voice.
So if he is well educated and heknows about, uh, breastfeeding
and of all things,breastfeeding, then he can be a
tremendous help and support tomom.
(21:16):
So we always want to empower ourdads and let them know that, you
know, you are the head of thehousehold and you are the one
who is going to be there withmom while she's delivering and
you are mom's advocate.
So that's what we teach ourdads.
Charles Schelle (21:36):
Talk to me a little bit more about that
barbershop initiative.
What does that look like?
What, what do you go in and sayto the folks or what type of
literature are you providing?
Stacey Stephens (21:47):
So we've been engaging the barbers, I would
dare say for the last 10 years.
Oh, wow.
We, we, yes, we because what werecognize is that's a great way
to reach fathers, grandfathers,uncles, young boys.
And so we do several barbersshops that we have partnered
(22:09):
with, and we use it as anopportunity to go in and educate
first and foremost about infantmortality.
And then to that end, we talkabout safe sleep.
But then we also want to talkabout protective factors.
And so protective factorsinclude breastfeeding and
include social supports.
And so we really are veryfortunate that the barbers have
(22:31):
welcomed us to come in.
We usually have about fouractivities before the pandemic
every year to educate men.
We do it during Father's Dayweekend.
We also do it during NFLfootball kickoff weekend.
We do it During November for aharvest season that we have, and
(22:51):
then we do it around MarchMadness.
Oh, we know how to enter in.
So we, we enter in with a lot ofeducation information to impart
with the borrowers.
And so they have become wellinformed and they know what the
numbers are.
They know about our success ofbeing able to reduce the infant
mortality rate by 75%.
(23:12):
They're, you know, the successstory and they own that story.
And they celebrate that storyand they continue.
So when they have men who comein, who are you know, their
partners are expecting, theyjust share about our program.
They've been featured on videosand you know, they have shared
this word across the country.
(23:32):
So we are very fortunate fortheir partnership and the
collaboration.
And so now, coming through thepandemic, we are now in the
barbershops every month toreally support men and I would
dare say women are also presentas, as barbers as well and
mothers as well who were there.
Women are there as well, reallymore around mental health and
(23:54):
stress reduction and self care.
So yeah, they're, they are anactive part of the work that we
do.
Charles Schelle (24:00):
I'm just imagining this wonderful PSA
about breastfeeding happening ina barbershop where all the
barbers and the guys in thechairs are giving breastfeeding
facts and tips.
Dana Rampolla (24:12):
Yeah, well, we will definitely include the link
you shared.
Stacey Stephens (24:15):
Yeah, we have a video, Quante Bullwear at
CutStyles did a video for us,not only talking about
breastfeeding and the role of,of fathers, but also literacy.
So yeah, we do.
Sure.
Dana Rampolla (24:28):
It's a really lovely video.
It's produced really well and,but you can see the sincerity of
the men who are speaking in it.
So I encourage our listeners,we'll put the, the link in our
show notes and take a peek whenyou have a minute.
Charles Schelle (24:41):
So the one other thing I wanted to go back
on is you mentioned formula, andthere might be one reason or
another that a mom needs to useformula.
And then at the same time, wesee what supply chains can do
for the mothers who aredependent on formula where it
really throws a wrench intotheir plans.
Can you just talk a little bitabout what type of support you
(25:02):
provide for those mothers whomay need formula at some point?
Shasha Satchell (25:09):
Well, I always said a well fed baby is a happy,
healthy baby.
So even if mom has to supplementwith formula, we respect mom in
whatever her journey looks likeuntil she can get back on uh,
where her milk is flowing againto where she would like it to
be.
So, you know, we don't shamemom.
(25:32):
And that's one of the things wetalk about in our groups is we
respect mom and whatever herjourney looks like, whether she
chooses to breastfeed or bottlefeed, then that's fine.
But at the end of the day, wejust want to make sure that that
baby is just well fed and thatmom is healthy and baby is
healthy as well.
Dana Rampolla (25:50):
I, I feel like there's a lot of moms who,
especially new moms, first timemoms who start out and
breastfeeding can be achallenge.
How do you help them kind of getover that hump?
Like what's your encouragementlook like?
Shasha Satchell (26:03):
So we don't call it challenges or problems.
We call it hiccups.
We call it the breast, thehiccups of breastfeeding,
because I believe you canovercome.
Anything, as long as you havegood support around you and you
have consistency and a made upmind because to breastfeed and
to pump, you have to have a wellmade up mind that this is
(26:25):
something that you're going tostick with because you will have
good days and you will have baddays.
It's not all peaches and creamwith breastfeeding.
So we just, we talk about thegood, the bad and the ugly.
Yeah.
About breastfeeding.
We don't, you know, because mostmoms are like, Oh, I'm going to
breastfeed.
My baby on milk is going to beflowing.
(26:45):
Yeah, for some moms, that mightbe the case, but for all not so
much.
So we just prepare the familyhead on.
So Information is key andgetting ahead of it as, as soon
as mom finds out that she'spregnant, just consistency,
talking about breastfeedinggiving lots and lots of
information, always encouragingmoms and dads to do their own
(27:07):
research as well becauseeveryone is different.
And, you know, we don't knowwhat life looks like day to day
to moms.
So we also do a lot of teachingaround stress management.
How do you bring yourself backto center when you're
overwhelmed?
We have lots of moms who haveother children.
Mom might be working.
My mom might have went back toschool.
(27:28):
So we know that moms and dads,they wear many, many hats.
So we talk about all of thesethings.
So we never brush over anything.
We never make it look like it'sall roses or peaches and cream.
We get to the nitty gritty andwe talk about everything.
We get to the root of theproblem and we find out what
those hiccups are.
And we address them head on andthen we just move on from there.
Stacey Stephens (27:50):
So I really want to shout out Shasha here
for kind of reframing and namingit hiccups.
And that really speaks to thepower of being positive, right?
And so, you know, I, I breastfedboth of my children too.
And having that positiveattitude, like you said, it's
really important.
And so I think it was lastsummer, correctly if I'm wrong,
Shasha, that The breastfeedingmamas got together and created
(28:14):
these beautiful affirmationsduring Black breastfeeding week.
And so with those affirmations,we turn those into T-shirts.
So we've got walking positiveaffirmations around
breastfeeding that will be inthe community real soon.
We also have stickers available,but, so this message, you know,
coming from the, from Shasha'sleadership has really been
(28:37):
instrumental in supportingfamilies within West Baltimore
and we, and we are grateful.
Dana Rampolla (28:43):
That's terrific.
Stacey, let's go way back intothe conversation.
When we first started, we talkedabout B'More For Healthy Babies.
We've been referring to it asB'More a couple times in a
conversation.
And even though this program orshow isn't really about the
general overarchingorganization.
You did mention data a fewminutes ago.
(29:04):
So tell us what your successrate is, because the goal was to
reduce infant mortality beforeyou can breastfeed a baby.
You've got to get the babythere.
So can you take a minute andjust tell us a little bit about
your positive outcomes in thatarea?
Stacey Stephens (29:17):
Sure, I can share with you.
So when we started this work,probably, I guess it'll be 13
years on January.
Baltimore City had the fourthworst infant mortality rate in
the country for cities, it'ssame size, right?
We know that the infantmortality rate is a metric that
really reflects the health ofthe community.
And so at that time, I woulddare say that the disparity
(29:41):
between Black infants and whiteinfant deaths within our
community was probably two timesor three times.
That was that was the make thedisparity and so really through
this collective impact modelthat we've been a part of
throughout the city and morespecific concentrated work
that's been coming out of, likeI mentioned the University of
Maryland School of Social Workand particularly the Center for
(30:04):
Restorative Change.
Currently, we've been doingoutreach and education and
really doing perinatal supportgroups breastfeeding groups.
Prenatal support groups,postpartum support groups, and
also parenting groups over thelast 12 years.
(30:25):
And so, as a result of thatwork, we've been in deep
partnership with our communitypartners and families in this
community.
They've taken ownership and leada lot of this work.
Co- lead it.
We were able to successfullyreduce the infant mortality rate
by 75% two years ago.
And we celebrated that.
(30:46):
Mayor Scott came to one of thebarbershops and celebrated it
with that us on a Fathers Dayabout two years ago eliminating
that disparity between Blackinfant deaths and white infant
deaths.
And so what that means is thatwithin a community of Upton and
Druid Heights, a historiccommunity that was redlined,
right?
(31:07):
Our infant mortality rates nowlook like places in Connecticut,
in predominantly white affluentareas.
And our community ispredominantly African American.
And you know, with low incomeand what have you, lots of
challenges and barriers toovercome, including racism, as
it intersects many of the socialdeterminants of health.
(31:27):
And so we are really fortunateof that outcome.
We don't take it lightly.
We are appreciative of continuedfunding and support.
Everyone who has come togetherto lift and, you know, we lift.
And so we are continuing to lookforward to doing this work in
the future and really talk aboutincreasing longevity of healthy
(31:51):
life in the community.
That's what we're looking toimpact now.
So thanks for asking.
It was our pleasure to sharethat information.
Charles Schelle (31:59):
That's a wonderful stat and not only just
look at a number but just realimpact to the community and to
lives and just making acommunity that much stronger.
So kudos, big round of applausefor all that effort that that it
takes to do that.
Going back to the groups and thesupport you, you provide I know
(32:23):
there's probably like a thousandthings that, that you throw out
these moms and they're trying togo, Oh, what can I remember?
Well, what am I doing today?
But to kind of maybe get themstarted off, what are maybe some
five basic tips for momslistening to, to keep in mind,
uh, for their breastfeedingjourney.
Shasha Satchell (32:40):
Well, again, breastfeeding starts before you
have your baby.
Be well educated If you couldjoin a breastfeeding group, or,
you know, just be proactive andget as much information as you
can.
build breastfeedingrelationships with other moms.
That's why we do the group thatwe do.
You'd be so shocked andsurprised of the sisterhood that
(33:04):
is born from these groups, howthey support one another.
They start doing daycare forothers.
The other mommies, you know, Oh,well, I'm still at home with my
baby.
I can pick your kids up fromschool, you know, so it really
creates a very positiveatmosphere.
(33:24):
And for moms that might bestruggling or need support, not
just in her breastfeedingjourney, but just in life in
general, so they help each otherout that way.
We support the moms again withthe breastfeeding supplies.
This is key, especially for ourmoms who are going back to work
and they want to maintain theirmilk supply.
(33:46):
You know, giving them the breastpumps, the breast storage bags,
and, you know, also giving themthe law, you know, the new law
that was enacted, thebreastfeeding workers law.
We just had a mom last week inour group who said that her HR
wasn't going to honor her whileshe's out on maternity leave.
(34:07):
And I say, yes, they will,honey.
I have the the breastfeeding lawhere for you.
We want to print it out and youcan take it to HR first.
And if you have a problem, letme know.
I will advocate for you.
So it's not just coming to thegroup and learning about
breastfeeding.
We attack every every area ofbreastfeeding.
(34:27):
And that starts from when momhas that baby.
And when she does return towork, making sure she has all
the tools so that when she doesface HR, she can just hand them
the paperwork and It's a donedeal.
So mom doesn't have to worryabout not being able to take
those additional breaks or ifmom needed additional time off
because she may not have healedproperly, you know, so these are
(34:50):
all things that we're talkingabout.
So that's another key point,education for dads and for the
rest of the family as well.
I always encourage moms becausethey say, well, I have other
kids and I'm trying to focus ona baby, but my other children
come in the room.
I said, well, what are you doingwith your other children when
they're in the room?
And he said, Oh, well, they'rejust sitting there.
(35:11):
I said, well, give themactivities to do.
So I put together a care packagefor them.
There's puzzles, there'scoloring books.
All kinds of things to entertaintheir other children so that
when mom is breastfeeding herbaby, she can concentrate on her
baby and her Children are alsobeing looked at after as well.
(35:32):
And again, our slogan isencouragement, encouragement,
encouragement, encouragement, werespect mom, wherever she is in
her journey.
We're patient with mom, and welet mom lead.
We don't ever want to make momfeel like she's not being heard
or she's not being respected.
So we always let moms lead.
(35:54):
And once mom feels comfortableand we build that good, solid
relationship, we can talk aboutanything and we can overcome
anything.
We can overcome those hiccups.
Charles Schelle (36:04):
It's incredible.
could you describe what that lawthat Shasha mentioned and what
that covers?
Shasha Satchell (36:12):
I believe it was just passed.
a couple of months ago, if I'mnot mistaken.
But it basically says that ifmom needs to have additional
time off from work, then she canhave that and the job cannot
threaten her job or, you know,to fire her or anything like
that.
She's protected because it'sconsidered.
(36:33):
To be a a life changing event,just like if you had F M L A.
So they're starting to reallyshine a light on breastfeeding
and what that postpartum journeylooks like afterwards.
And that mom still needs supportin additional time.
So it, it goes to that, and italso goes back to having.
(36:53):
A breastfeeding room, which isdedicated to breastfeeding, not
a bathroom with a sink and achair in the desk.
So, they have to provide a roomwhere it's a comfortable chair,
a refrigerator.
That's just for breast milk formoms who are breastfeeding a
sink where mom can wash herhands.
And it's a private area, whichis set off from other offices or
(37:18):
break rooms and bathrooms andstuff like that.
So, yeah, so that is what thelaw says is protecting moms
after they return to work.
Charles Schelle (37:28):
So, it's called the, uh, Pregnant Workers
Fairness Act.
Yes.
And it just became effectiveJune 27th.
We'll provide a link so peoplecan refer to it.
And there's also the PUMP Actthat was passed in December 29,
2022, which is Providing UrgentMaterial Protections for Nursing
(37:51):
Mothers Act.
So, as you said, both of themprovide protections for a
certain amount of time.
That's super important whenyou're returning to work.
So we'll, we'll include a linkto, to learn more about those in
our show notes.
Stacey Stephens (38:03):
And I want to also say how important that is,
too, because when you'rebreastfeeding, you don't need
anything that's going to stressyou out, right?
Because when you are stressed itmakes it more challenging for
that milk to release and forbaby to get fed.
And so I'm really glad to hearthat both of those policies,
(38:24):
those acts are in place.
And so I'm hoping your listeningaudience can now share that
information as they arebreastfeeding with their peers.
Dana Rampolla (38:33):
And I am very proud I do some work here at UMB
with campus maps and I'm veryproud.
I can't tell you how many rooms,but that in the recent years,
the number of rooms that havebeen added just to campus for
moms like that.
There's one right outside ouroffice suite in Saratoga.
One other question, Stacey, Iguess this is probably more for
(38:55):
you.
Are you doing anything with theprogramming that you're doing in
order to share it with otherpeople, either across the state,
across the country or globally.
Stacey Stephens (39:07):
Thanks for that question.
So we, first and foremost, letme say that we have a very
active social media accounts,Facebook and Instagram.
And so folks can reach us and wewill share that information.
But we have been fortunate thatwe have been able to present a
lot of the work that we do.
Breastfeeding work, our social,our work with social media, our
(39:30):
work and really supporting womenduring maternity care, our work
around our model of havingcommunity health workers really
lead this work.
We've been able to share this atlocal conferences and national
conferences.
And international conferences.
And so actually we'll be at theCity Match Conference in
(39:51):
September, New Orleans, andwe'll be presenting for during
for presentations.
And so yes, yeah we we reallytry.
We are very fortunate.
We take every opportunity to.
To share with folks what we'redoing, and we're fortunate that
we have partnered deeply acrossthe university.
(40:12):
And so others are also sharingthat work as they go to their
professional conferences aswell.
So, yeah, we're very fortunateto be able to do this
Dana Rampolla (40:22):
That's good to know, being that successful.
We need to encourage otherpeople to to look at your
program as a model.
Charles Schelle (40:30):
For the moms that are listening and they're
like, I need help, I need toreach out to B'More For Healthy
Babies what's the best way toget in contact, or, visit a
website to find out moreinformation.
Stacey Stephens (40:41):
So they can just go to, www.
healthybabiesbaltimore.
com.
And that's a way that That'sokay.
You got it.
Awesome, Shasha.
Dana Rampolla (40:50):
I was going to say, for those who can't see
because a lot of, most of ourlisteners are just listening,
not seeing our YouTubeproduction, but Shasha's sharing
her t shirt that is B'More forHealthy Babies with the website
emblazoned upon her chest of allplaces.
Thank
Stacey Stephens (41:05):
Absolutely.
And that's for anyone throughoutthe city and they can that will
put them in through thehealthcare access Maryland
single point of entry and you'llbe triage.
And then we'll get thereferrals, but I will also share
additional information about howto come directly into our
program and the communities thatwe do that we serve.
(41:27):
And I will share that that linklater on so that people can
access our services as well.
Charles Schelle (41:34):
Great.
And we'll definitely put in theshow notes for those who are
listening or in the episodedescription on YouTube.
Before we let you go, is thereanything else that you just
wanted to give moms as one lasttakeaway?
Shasha Satchell (41:47):
I would just say, you know, if you decided to
want to breastfeed, giveyourself grace, give yourself
time, you know, you'll get it.
Just stick with it and just havea good support system around you
and reach out.
Ask for help because what I'mfinding is a lot of times our
moms feel a little bitdiscouraged because of an
(42:08):
experience they might have hadin the past and they may not
feel comfortable or confidentenough to reach out and ask for
help.
So the say and go, close mouths,don't get fed, ask for help.
Ask for the help and it's hereand we'll definitely, uh, guide
you and get you started inwhatever your journey looks
(42:28):
like.
Charles Schelle (42:29):
Well said.
Yeah.
Yes.
So, uh, Stacey Stevens, ShashaSatchell from B'More for Healthy
Babies.
Thank you for all of your workand thank you for joining us on
The Pulse.
Shasha Satchell (42:42):
Thank you.
Thank you so much for having us!
The UMB Pulse with CharlesSchelle and Dana Rampolla is a
UMB Office of Communications andPublic Affairs production,
edited by Charles Schelle,marketing by Dana Rampolla.
So Charles, I have a question for you.
(00:01):
And this is a little bit of apersonal nature, but I'm
wondering, and you'll find outwhy in a minute.
I'm wondering, were you abreastfed baby?
Charles Schelle (00:10):
Interesting.
From what I've been told, yes,but I don't really remember
anything before I was likethree.
I'm going to just say yes.
but I know that you have fivechildren and a new grand baby
too.
So I'll, I'll play along.
Dana, do you have any experienceeither being breastfed or
nursing your own babies?
Dana Rampolla (00:28):
I don't think that I was breastfed.
My mom died when I was young andall I have is my my baby book.
So I don't think that I wasbecause it doesn't mention it,
but I did breastfeed all five ofmy kids.
I'm a strong advocate forbreastfeeding.
But I will say when I started,when I had our first baby, there
was no one around me who wasnursing or breastfeeding their
(00:49):
babies.
I was the first baby.
First person in our family,first person in our friends
circle, all that sort of thing.
So not having been aroundnursing mothers, I was kind of
at a loss.
And fortunately I had started anew job teaching and the woman I
worked with was having a babyalso.
And she was an experienced momwho had nursed her three
(01:09):
children.
So she provided a great deal ofsupport, but you know, because
it's National BreastfeedingMonth, I just keep thinking
like.
How do women figure this outnowadays?
When, I mean, I guess you havethe internet, you can Google
anything, but I feel likebreastfeeding is one of those
special things where sometimesyou need a hands on or a good
moral support mentor in yourlife.
(01:29):
So that's why I asked.
Charles Schelle (01:31):
Well, as you said, Dana, August is National
Breastfeeding Month, and there'salso National Black
Breastfeeding Week that takesplace August 25th through the
31st.
So in this episode, we're proudto share the work that some
University of Maryland,Baltimore changemakers are doing
right here in the Baltimorecommunity, not just through
lactation counseling, but aspart of the larger B'More For
(01:53):
Healthy Babies program.
Today, our guests are StaceyStevens.
She's a clinical instructor inthe University of Maryland
School of Social Work.
She does work with the Centerfor Restorative Change.
That's the new name of SWACOs orthe Social Work Community
Outreach Service.
We had an episode before of oneof those programs, Positive
School Center.
(02:13):
So you may remember that name.
So they're now the Center forRestorative Change.
B'More for Healthy Babies is aninitiative that works with both
the School of Social Work, theUniversity of Maryland School of
Medicine, underneath theBaltimore City Health Department
that offers prenatal andpostnatal services to Baltimore
families.
So we'll be sharing a lot aboutthat program and what it does.
(02:36):
And she's joined by ShashaSatchell.
Shasha is a community healthworker from the University of
Maryland School of Social Work,and she works there as the
lactation counselor.
You're listening to theheartbeat of the University of
Maryland Baltimore, the UMBPulse.
Dana Rampolla (03:04):
Welcome Stacey and Shasha.
I'm super excited to have youhere as an advocate for
breastfeeding.
I had five children of my ownand proudly breastfed all of
them.
So I'm excited to have thisconversation.
I think it's really important.
And it is August, which isNational Breastfeeding Month and
it's National BlackBreastfeeding Week.
Why is it important todifferentiate between the two?
(03:26):
Is this because there'sbreastfeeding disparities in it
and inequities in the Blackcommunity?
And if so, can you tell us aboutthat?
Stacey Stephens (03:35):
Absolutely, Dana.
Thank you so much for having uson.
It's a pleasure to be here withthe University of Maryland
Baltimore audience.
And so, yes, There aredisparities longstanding
disparities between AfricanAmerican women, breastfeeding
rates and white women'sbreastfeeding rates.
(03:55):
And a lot of that has to dowith, as we know just racial
Inequities that exists aroundstructural barriers and social
barriers that black women havehad to overcome.
And a lot of this dates back tobeing enslaved.
And so when we look at that, weknow that breastfeeding has
tremendous benefits to mom andalso baby.
(04:19):
And we know that historically,Black women when they were
enslaved, they were oftentimeswet nurses, wet nursing for
white women's children.
And so as we fast forward tocurrent day, there are many
challenges that women face andmaking sure that they have the
(04:39):
support that they need andinformation that they need in
order to be successful.
And we'll be looking forward tosharing more details about that
now, but those inequities exist.
And so there's a need to elevateand celebrate and educate during
Black Breastfeeding Week, whichis the last week of August.
Charles Schelle (05:00):
Stacey, that's a perfect opportunity to talk
about what is B'More for HealthyBabies and who does it serve?
Stacey Stephens (05:07):
Thanks, Charles.
So B'More for Healthy Babies isa first and foremost, a citywide
initiative that is basicallyoverseen by the Baltimore City
Health Department, the FamilyLeague of Baltimore and
Healthcare Access Maryland.
It's a collective impact modelthat has well over 30 strategic
(05:28):
partners to really reduce theinfant mortality rate throughout
Baltimore City.
And we work in the part of beingmore for healthy babies in the
communities of Upton and DruidHeights and the greater
Mondawmin communities, which arebasically a place based
initiative out of the Universityof Maryland School of Social
(05:50):
Work and Medicine in partnershipto really ensure that every baby
born in these two communitiesand throughout West Baltimore
are born healthy and of a greatweight and are able to thrive in
the family in their families.
So we're looking at them notonly ensuring that babies are
(06:11):
born healthy, but we also wantto make sure that moms are able
to deliver and also live to seetheir baby's first birthday and
beyond.
So we're talking about reallyimproving the health of families
in those three communities.
Charles Schelle (06:29):
And it's important to note, as you
mentioned, your, your work isfocused on those communities,
but you also mentioned it's acitywide program.
So, if someone's listening tothis and like, well, I live in a
different part of the city canthey participate?
Stacey Stephens (06:41):
Absolutely, they can participate when they
go to their prenatal visit.
Many times their obstetricproviders will fill out a
prenatal risk assessment, and itis the way that we are able to
learn about this pregnancy, andthen we share it through
healthcare access Maryland,which is the single point of
(07:03):
entry for all pregnant women,and then there's a triage
process.
And so there are home visitorsthroughout Baltimore city.
There are community healthworkers and certified community
health workers, which is whatShasha Satchell is as well as
certified lactation counselors.
There are doulas and socialworkers who will receive those
(07:23):
referrals and then meet pregnantwomen or expectant people where
they are to support them basedon their needs.
Charles Schelle (07:33):
Shasha, tell us a little bit about yourself and
what the lactation program does.
It sounds like it's a veryintegral part of B'More for
Healthy Babies.
Shasha Satchell (07:43):
Well, yes, I have been a certified lactation
counselor since 2015, and we arecoming up on our 8 year
anniversary this October of 2023when I first came on board.
When moms were delivering and Iwas supporting them in the
hospitals they were not Brown,Black or Brown lactation
(08:06):
consultants and counselors inthe hospitals.
So, I took it upon myself whenwe had a birth I would just step
up and uh, support that mommy inwhatever her breastfeeding needs
were.
I, myself, am a mom of five andI breastfed all of my children
as well.
So, I brought in...
My own personal experience.
(08:27):
So I got tired of getting callsfrom different area hospitals.
Where moms delivered and theywere asking for breastfeeding
support.
So I went to my boss and I say,Hey, I just left the hospital
and mom delivered on Friday andshe's been discharged today on
Monday, and she neededbreastfeeding support and she
(08:51):
didn't have the support that sheneeded.
And when the nurses did come into assist her, they were not
warm.
They were not welcoming.
They were not they didn't caterto her needs.
So when I came in, supported themom, the first thing she said
was, where were you?
I needed you when I delivered mybaby.
(09:11):
And so That just goes to wherewe are today.
Again, I went to my supervisorand I said, Hey, we need to do
something about this because weneed to support moms and they
need to know that Black andBrown mamas do breastfeed their
babies.
We love our babies just as muchas our counterparts and we want
them to be happy and healthy aswell.
So that's how the Blackbreastfeeding mamas gathering
(09:34):
group came.
Dana Rampolla (09:36):
Shasha, why, as a mom who breastfed her children
and being in the medical field,do you feel that it is important
for breastfeeding to be part ofa baby's development?
Shasha Satchell (09:48):
Studies show, and as we see in our own
children, you can speak fromyour own experience, when the
difference between breastfeedingand formula fed babies they're
alert, it's helping the braindevelopment.
It's the bonding between mom andbaby, not just mom and baby, but
dad as well.
We always, always encourage ourdads to be a part of the
(10:11):
breastfeeding journey as well.
As we know, skin to skininitiates the breastfeeding from
once.
And we encourage our parents totake part in that skin to skin
as well.
And we include the whole entirefamily.
If mom has other children athome, you know, include your
children in the breastfeedingjourney and talk to them early
(10:32):
on.
I always talk to my moms aboutbreastfeeding doesn't start
after you have your baby.
It starts while you're pregnant.
So we encourage our families andour moms to learn everything
they need to know aboutbreastfeeding while they're
pregnant.
So when they do have that baby,some of those myths have been
dispelled.
And we can address thosehiccups, but if we're well
(10:56):
educated beforehand, so whenthose hiccups do arise, we know
how to take care of them.
And also to know that you havesupport in the community with
our, uh, B'More For HealthyBabies, we have three CHWs who
are certified and we also havepeer leaders that we brought on
board who also got trained andbecame peer counselors in
(11:20):
breastfeeding.
So we have support in thecommunity amongst our mommies
that join our program.
So they know that if for chancethat one of us are not
available, they can reach out toone of the community peer
counselor breastfeedingspecialists.
Dana Rampolla (11:37):
And can they reach out to you just any time,
or is it, do they have to waitfor these group or, you know,
scheduled sessions?
Shasha Satchell (11:45):
I host the Breastfeeding Mamas gathering
once a month, uh, it is heldevery first Wednesday of the
month.
My dedicated days tobreastfeeding is every
Wednesdays, but if I know thatwe have a mom who is about to
deliver and she needs to havethat support, I always keep my
phone open and available becauseI know what it is when you get
(12:06):
stuck with one of those hiccupswhen you're breastfeeding.
Or if your baby like I don'twant a nurse today.
So, you know, what does mom wantto do?
So, yeah, so, you know, it's alabor of love.
It is.
This is something that is true,near and dear to my heart, and
it brings me extreme joy to beable to support that mom in
(12:29):
whatever her breastfeedingjourney looks like, you know,
and we just support mom inhowever that looks, and I always
say to my moms, give yourselfgrace.
You just had a baby, you know,you're learning your baby, your
baby is learning you, you mayhave other children that you
might have breastfed, but eachbreastfeeding journey is
different.
No two are the same.
(12:52):
And I can say that.
Confidently cause I'm a mom offive and each experience was
different.
But to uh, to be able to assistand love and nurture on a mom or
family who really wants toexclusively breastfeed their
baby and to see them throughthat journey.
It is, it is so rewarding.
Dana Rampolla (13:14):
I agree.
I agree.
One thing you didn't mention isthat it's a really affordable
option for a family.
Shasha Satchell (13:20):
Oh, absolutely.
Yes.
So it is.
Affordable is there is ready iswaiting for baby.
You know, and that's another oneof the reasons why we do what we
do because sometimes thosebreastfeeding supplies can be a
little bit expensive.
So we make sure that we supportmom with those breastfeeding
(13:40):
supplies so when mom joins ourprogram or she's interested in
our breastfeeding group, wesupport mom with breast pumps
nursing pads, bottles, the milkstorage bags, the coverups, all
things breastfeeding, lots andlots of education is giving
during the pregnancy after theydeliver it and throughout their
whole breastfeeding journey.
(14:01):
So anytime mom is in need, we'llmake sure that we get whatever
it is that she needs so that shecan take, can continue to be
successful in her journey andhowever that looks.
Dana Rampolla (14:12):
And because your program is being offered through
the university here at theUniversity of Maryland at
Baltimore, where does thefunding come for those types of
supplies?
Stacey Stephens (14:21):
All right.
So we have several fundingsources for our work.
And so through Care First BlueCross Blue Shield, first and
foremost, they have funded ourwork for the last 12 13 years.
We also have funding from AnnieE.
Casey Foundation.
We have been fortunate to be apart of the Promise Heights
(14:43):
pipeline of services over thelast four years.
And so some of that money hasalso come from the Department of
Education through the PromiseNeighborhoods Grant.
And then we get folks who arevery interested in making
donations and they makedonations to our program through
the UMB Foundation.
And so through that, we're ableto buy breastfeeding supplies
(15:06):
and supports.
For anyone who was interested inbreastfeeding.
Dana Rampolla (15:12):
That's fantastic.
And to kind of circle back tothe whole notion of
breastfeeding.
I know when I had my children, Iwas the first one to have a baby
in my family and and in oursocial circle.
I didn't really have anybreastfeeding support.
And it does seem like there'sbeen a huge uptick in nursing.
According to the Journal ofBreastfeeding Medicine, the
(15:32):
numbers of breastfeeding moms inthe country has really increased
during the last 60 years.
I think back in the 1960s, therewas like 30% of women who
breastfed and now the data, I'mnot sure exactly what it is, but
I think it's over 60%.
So what do you, why do you thinkthat is?
What do you think has changed orwhat is encouraging women to
(15:53):
consider and try breastfeedingtheir babies?
Stacey Stephens (15:56):
I think that there have been some myths about
women and then breastfeeding,you know, uh, and people
breastfeeding.
And so I feel like in ourconversations that we have with
many of our families, when westart to have these
conversations, we learned that.
Many of the women who are in ourprogram, their mothers have
(16:16):
breastfed as well, or an auntiehas breastfed as well.
And so when they, you know,check their own families, you're
seeing that this has happenedand this is a possibility.
And I want to speak of also whenShasha was saying what we know
from the literature also is thatIf a partner is supportive of a
(16:37):
woman in breastfeeding, they aremore likely to breastfeed.
And so we do a lot of educationand engagement with fathers in
the community.
And surprisingly, some of ourstronger, strongest advocates
have been in the work that we'vedone in the barbershops.
We've got barbers who arechampions of breastfeeding.
And they also have done a videoto talk about how important
(16:58):
breastfeeding was and is fortheir partner to do their wife
to do.
And so they are champions.
They talk about the benefits ofbreastfeeding.
And so it's been interestingjust watching and hearing you
know, and coming in contact withmany of our families, how many
of them actually arebreastfeeding.
Shasha Satchell (17:18):
I know for myself when I had my first
child, I was not going tobreastfeed.
I was, you know, going to doformula because that wasn't the
thing that was done then.
And, you know, my oldest sistershe breastfed her baby but you
know I was like, I'm just goingto go ahead and formula fed.
And it was actually my husbandwho encouraged me to breastfeed
(17:39):
my son at the time.
And I was like, no, I'm justgonna, you know, go ahead and
formula feeding.
He was like, no, he was likebreastfeed.
He said, my husband is actuallyWest Indian.
So that's the normal for them.
You know, they don't give theirbabies formula.
You know, they arebreastfeeding.
They were, he came from abreastfeeding family.
So he really educated me aboutbreastfeeding earlier.
(18:02):
I was a young mom.
I was 21 when I had my firstchild and he really was an
excellent support system to me.
And so that is something that Iincorporated in our in our
groups is knowing who yoursupport system is, before you
begin the breastfeeding process,because that is the number one
(18:24):
reason why a lot of moms do notbreastfeed is because they don't
have good support at home andoutside of the home.
So once I, you know, begin toshare my story, you know, my own
personal journey, and thenallowing families that come in.
We had a lot of, couples, and wedid one on one support for them
and just actually educating dadand showing dad how much of a
(18:46):
support that he is and how muchmom needs you in this
breastfeeding journey.
So, that is I think that's keyis key to know that you have
your breastfeeding villagethat's what we call it you have
your breastfeeding village instore beforehand.
And these are the conversationsthat you need to have right now
and.
Who is going to be around.
(19:08):
So this, if you know that youhave family, family members who
are naysayers, then this is thetime that you need to say, okay,
well, we're going to step backbecause I've made a conscious
decision that I'm going tobreastfeed.
I'm going to stick with it.
However, it may look.
And if you cannot support ourdecision to breastfeed, you
know, we're just going to take astep back.
(19:30):
That doesn't mean that we don'tlove you or we don't care, but
we want to have.
A good support system around us,because mom needs to feel that
she is loved and that she issupported and that she can do
it.
And we all know that if we havesupport persons in our corner,
we can accomplish anything.
Stacey Stephens (19:51):
It's true.
Dana also want to share thatsome moms are concerned what
will happen when they return towork.
Right.
And so a part of that supportsystem is the employer, right?
Making sure that they have spacethat is designated to support
when breastfeeding people returnback to work.
(20:12):
And so I think from the sixtiesuntil now, I would like to think
that we have far more lactationrooms that can accommodate women
when they come to breastfeedthat are comfortable and have
refrigerators well stocked tosupport women when they return
back to work.
So that is a critical piece.
And I know that the MarylandBreastfeeding Coalition has been
(20:35):
really strong in advocating forthis throughout the state of
Maryland successfully.
Charles Schelle (20:41):
it's great that you mentioned dads and the
barbershop initiative.
How are some ways that you arebringing in dads to the fold?
And what are some tips or advicethat you're giving them to be
that support?
Shasha Satchell (20:54):
Well, I always tell dads, you are mom's best
advocate.
It's something about a strengthin a man's voice.
So if he is well educated and heknows about, uh, breastfeeding
and of all things,breastfeeding, then he can be a
tremendous help and support tomom.
(21:16):
So we always want to empower ourdads and let them know that, you
know, you are the head of thehousehold and you are the one
who is going to be there withmom while she's delivering and
you are mom's advocate.
So that's what we teach ourdads.
Charles Schelle (21:36):
Talk to me a little bit more about that
barbershop initiative.
What does that look like?
What, what do you go in and sayto the folks or what type of
literature are you providing?
Stacey Stephens (21:47):
So we've been engaging the barbers, I would
dare say for the last 10 years.
Oh, wow.
We, we, yes, we because what werecognize is that's a great way
to reach fathers, grandfathers,uncles, young boys.
And so we do several barbersshops that we have partnered
(22:09):
with, and we use it as anopportunity to go in and educate
first and foremost about infantmortality.
And then to that end, we talkabout safe sleep.
But then we also want to talkabout protective factors.
And so protective factorsinclude breastfeeding and
include social supports.
And so we really are veryfortunate that the barbers have
(22:31):
welcomed us to come in.
We usually have about fouractivities before the pandemic
every year to educate men.
We do it during Father's Dayweekend.
We also do it during NFLfootball kickoff weekend.
We do it During November for aharvest season that we have, and
(22:51):
then we do it around MarchMadness.
Oh, we know how to enter in.
So we, we enter in with a lot ofeducation information to impart
with the borrowers.
And so they have become wellinformed and they know what the
numbers are.
They know about our success ofbeing able to reduce the infant
mortality rate by 75%.
(23:12):
They're, you know, the successstory and they own that story.
And they celebrate that storyand they continue.
So when they have men who comein, who are you know, their
partners are expecting, theyjust share about our program.
They've been featured on videosand you know, they have shared
this word across the country.
(23:32):
So we are very fortunate fortheir partnership and the
collaboration.
And so now, coming through thepandemic, we are now in the
barbershops every month toreally support men and I would
dare say women are also presentas, as barbers as well and
mothers as well who were there.
Women are there as well, reallymore around mental health and
(23:54):
stress reduction and self care.
So yeah, they're, they are anactive part of the work that we
do.
Charles Schelle (24:00):
I'm just imagining this wonderful PSA
about breastfeeding happening ina barbershop where all the
barbers and the guys in thechairs are giving breastfeeding
facts and tips.
Dana Rampolla (24:12):
Yeah, well, we will definitely include the link
you shared.
Stacey Stephens (24:15):
Yeah, we have a video, Quante Bullwear at
CutStyles did a video for us,not only talking about
breastfeeding and the role of,of fathers, but also literacy.
So yeah, we do.
Sure.
Dana Rampolla (24:28):
It's a really lovely video.
It's produced really well and,but you can see the sincerity of
the men who are speaking in it.
So I encourage our listeners,we'll put the, the link in our
show notes and take a peek whenyou have a minute.
Charles Schelle (24:41):
So the one other thing I wanted to go back
on is you mentioned formula, andthere might be one reason or
another that a mom needs to useformula.
And then at the same time, wesee what supply chains can do
for the mothers who aredependent on formula where it
really throws a wrench intotheir plans.
Can you just talk a little bitabout what type of support you
(25:02):
provide for those mothers whomay need formula at some point?
Shasha Satchell (25:09):
Well, I always said a well fed baby is a happy,
healthy baby.
So even if mom has to supplementwith formula, we respect mom in
whatever her journey looks likeuntil she can get back on uh,
where her milk is flowing againto where she would like it to
be.
So, you know, we don't shamemom.
(25:32):
And that's one of the things wetalk about in our groups is we
respect mom and whatever herjourney looks like, whether she
chooses to breastfeed or bottlefeed, then that's fine.
But at the end of the day, wejust want to make sure that that
baby is just well fed and thatmom is healthy and baby is
healthy as well.
Dana Rampolla (25:50):
I, I feel like there's a lot of moms who,
especially new moms, first timemoms who start out and
breastfeeding can be achallenge.
How do you help them kind of getover that hump?
Like what's your encouragementlook like?
Shasha Satchell (26:03):
So we don't call it challenges or problems.
We call it hiccups.
We call it the breast, thehiccups of breastfeeding,
because I believe you canovercome.
Anything, as long as you havegood support around you and you
have consistency and a made upmind because to breastfeed and
to pump, you have to have a wellmade up mind that this is
(26:25):
something that you're going tostick with because you will have
good days and you will have baddays.
It's not all peaches and creamwith breastfeeding.
So we just, we talk about thegood, the bad and the ugly.
Yeah.
About breastfeeding.
We don't, you know, because mostmoms are like, Oh, I'm going to
breastfeed.
My baby on milk is going to beflowing.
(26:45):
Yeah, for some moms, that mightbe the case, but for all not so
much.
So we just prepare the familyhead on.
So Information is key andgetting ahead of it as, as soon
as mom finds out that she'spregnant, just consistency,
talking about breastfeedinggiving lots and lots of
information, always encouragingmoms and dads to do their own
(27:07):
research as well becauseeveryone is different.
And, you know, we don't knowwhat life looks like day to day
to moms.
So we also do a lot of teachingaround stress management.
How do you bring yourself backto center when you're
overwhelmed?
We have lots of moms who haveother children.
Mom might be working.
My mom might have went back toschool.
(27:28):
So we know that moms and dads,they wear many, many hats.
So we talk about all of thesethings.
So we never brush over anything.
We never make it look like it'sall roses or peaches and cream.
We get to the nitty gritty andwe talk about everything.
We get to the root of theproblem and we find out what
those hiccups are.
And we address them head on andthen we just move on from there.
Stacey Stephens (27:50):
So I really want to shout out Shasha here
for kind of reframing and namingit hiccups.
And that really speaks to thepower of being positive, right?
And so, you know, I, I breastfedboth of my children too.
And having that positiveattitude, like you said, it's
really important.
And so I think it was lastsummer, correctly if I'm wrong,
Shasha, that The breastfeedingmamas got together and created
(28:14):
these beautiful affirmationsduring Black breastfeeding week.
And so with those affirmations,we turn those into T-shirts.
So we've got walking positiveaffirmations around
breastfeeding that will be inthe community real soon.
We also have stickers available,but, so this message, you know,
coming from the, from Shasha'sleadership has really been
(28:37):
instrumental in supportingfamilies within West Baltimore
and we, and we are grateful.
Dana Rampolla (28:43):
That's terrific.
Stacey, let's go way back intothe conversation.
When we first started, we talkedabout B'More For Healthy Babies.
We've been referring to it asB'More a couple times in a
conversation.
And even though this program orshow isn't really about the
general overarchingorganization.
You did mention data a fewminutes ago.
(29:04):
So tell us what your successrate is, because the goal was to
reduce infant mortality beforeyou can breastfeed a baby.
You've got to get the babythere.
So can you take a minute andjust tell us a little bit about
your positive outcomes in thatarea?
Stacey Stephens (29:17):
Sure, I can share with you.
So when we started this work,probably, I guess it'll be 13
years on January.
Baltimore City had the fourthworst infant mortality rate in
the country for cities, it'ssame size, right?
We know that the infantmortality rate is a metric that
really reflects the health ofthe community.
And so at that time, I woulddare say that the disparity
(29:41):
between Black infants and whiteinfant deaths within our
community was probably two timesor three times.
That was that was the make thedisparity and so really through
this collective impact modelthat we've been a part of
throughout the city and morespecific concentrated work
that's been coming out of, likeI mentioned the University of
Maryland School of Social Workand particularly the Center for
(30:04):
Restorative Change.
Currently, we've been doingoutreach and education and
really doing perinatal supportgroups breastfeeding groups.
Prenatal support groups,postpartum support groups, and
also parenting groups over thelast 12 years.
(30:25):
And so, as a result of thatwork, we've been in deep
partnership with our communitypartners and families in this
community.
They've taken ownership and leada lot of this work.
Co- lead it.
We were able to successfullyreduce the infant mortality rate
by 75% two years ago.
And we celebrated that.
(30:46):
Mayor Scott came to one of thebarbershops and celebrated it
with that us on a Fathers Dayabout two years ago eliminating
that disparity between Blackinfant deaths and white infant
deaths.
And so what that means is thatwithin a community of Upton and
Druid Heights, a historiccommunity that was redlined,
right?
(31:07):
Our infant mortality rates nowlook like places in Connecticut,
in predominantly white affluentareas.
And our community ispredominantly African American.
And you know, with low incomeand what have you, lots of
challenges and barriers toovercome, including racism, as
it intersects many of the socialdeterminants of health.
(31:27):
And so we are really fortunateof that outcome.
We don't take it lightly.
We are appreciative of continuedfunding and support.
Everyone who has come togetherto lift and, you know, we lift.
And so we are continuing to lookforward to doing this work in
the future and really talk aboutincreasing longevity of healthy
(31:51):
life in the community.
That's what we're looking toimpact now.
So thanks for asking.
It was our pleasure to sharethat information.
Charles Schelle (31:59):
That's a wonderful stat and not only just
look at a number but just realimpact to the community and to
lives and just making acommunity that much stronger.
So kudos, big round of applausefor all that effort that that it
takes to do that.
Going back to the groups and thesupport you, you provide I know
(32:23):
there's probably like a thousandthings that, that you throw out
these moms and they're trying togo, Oh, what can I remember?
Well, what am I doing today?
But to kind of maybe get themstarted off, what are maybe some
five basic tips for momslistening to, to keep in mind,
uh, for their breastfeedingjourney.
Shasha Satchell (32:40):
Well, again, breastfeeding starts before you
have your baby.
Be well educated If you couldjoin a breastfeeding group, or,
you know, just be proactive andget as much information as you
can.
build breastfeedingrelationships with other moms.
That's why we do the group thatwe do.
You'd be so shocked andsurprised of the sisterhood that
(33:04):
is born from these groups, howthey support one another.
They start doing daycare forothers.
The other mommies, you know, Oh,well, I'm still at home with my
baby.
I can pick your kids up fromschool, you know, so it really
creates a very positiveatmosphere.
(33:24):
And for moms that might bestruggling or need support, not
just in her breastfeedingjourney, but just in life in
general, so they help each otherout that way.
We support the moms again withthe breastfeeding supplies.
This is key, especially for ourmoms who are going back to work
and they want to maintain theirmilk supply.
(33:46):
You know, giving them the breastpumps, the breast storage bags,
and, you know, also giving themthe law, you know, the new law
that was enacted, thebreastfeeding workers law.
We just had a mom last week inour group who said that her HR
wasn't going to honor her whileshe's out on maternity leave.
(34:07):
And I say, yes, they will,honey.
I have the the breastfeeding lawhere for you.
We want to print it out and youcan take it to HR first.
And if you have a problem, letme know.
I will advocate for you.
So it's not just coming to thegroup and learning about
breastfeeding.
We attack every every area ofbreastfeeding.
(34:27):
And that starts from when momhas that baby.
And when she does return towork, making sure she has all
the tools so that when she doesface HR, she can just hand them
the paperwork and It's a donedeal.
So mom doesn't have to worryabout not being able to take
those additional breaks or ifmom needed additional time off
because she may not have healedproperly, you know, so these are
(34:50):
all things that we're talkingabout.
So that's another key point,education for dads and for the
rest of the family as well.
I always encourage moms becausethey say, well, I have other
kids and I'm trying to focus ona baby, but my other children
come in the room.
I said, well, what are you doingwith your other children when
they're in the room?
And he said, Oh, well, they'rejust sitting there.
(35:11):
I said, well, give themactivities to do.
So I put together a care packagefor them.
There's puzzles, there'scoloring books.
All kinds of things to entertaintheir other children so that
when mom is breastfeeding herbaby, she can concentrate on her
baby and her Children are alsobeing looked at after as well.
(35:32):
And again, our slogan isencouragement, encouragement,
encouragement, encouragement, werespect mom, wherever she is in
her journey.
We're patient with mom, and welet mom lead.
We don't ever want to make momfeel like she's not being heard
or she's not being respected.
So we always let moms lead.
(35:54):
And once mom feels comfortableand we build that good, solid
relationship, we can talk aboutanything and we can overcome
anything.
We can overcome those hiccups.
Charles Schelle (36:04):
It's incredible.
could you describe what that lawthat Shasha mentioned and what
that covers?
Shasha Satchell (36:12):
I believe it was just passed.
a couple of months ago, if I'mnot mistaken.
But it basically says that ifmom needs to have additional
time off from work, then she canhave that and the job cannot
threaten her job or, you know,to fire her or anything like
that.
She's protected because it'sconsidered.
(36:33):
To be a a life changing event,just like if you had F M L A.
So they're starting to reallyshine a light on breastfeeding
and what that postpartum journeylooks like afterwards.
And that mom still needs supportin additional time.
So it, it goes to that, and italso goes back to having.
(36:53):
A breastfeeding room, which isdedicated to breastfeeding, not
a bathroom with a sink and achair in the desk.
So, they have to provide a roomwhere it's a comfortable chair,
a refrigerator.
That's just for breast milk formoms who are breastfeeding a
sink where mom can wash herhands.
And it's a private area, whichis set off from other offices or
(37:18):
break rooms and bathrooms andstuff like that.
So, yeah, so that is what thelaw says is protecting moms
after they return to work.
Charles Schelle (37:28):
So, it's called the, uh, Pregnant Workers
Fairness Act.
Yes.
And it just became effectiveJune 27th.
We'll provide a link so peoplecan refer to it.
And there's also the PUMP Actthat was passed in December 29,
2022, which is Providing UrgentMaterial Protections for Nursing
(37:51):
Mothers Act.
So, as you said, both of themprovide protections for a
certain amount of time.
That's super important whenyou're returning to work.
So we'll, we'll include a linkto, to learn more about those in
our show notes.
Stacey Stephens (38:03):
And I want to also say how important that is,
too, because when you'rebreastfeeding, you don't need
anything that's going to stressyou out, right?
Because when you are stressed itmakes it more challenging for
that milk to release and forbaby to get fed.
And so I'm really glad to hearthat both of those policies,
(38:24):
those acts are in place.
And so I'm hoping your listeningaudience can now share that
information as they arebreastfeeding with their peers.
Dana Rampolla (38:33):
And I am very proud I do some work here at UMB
with campus maps and I'm veryproud.
I can't tell you how many rooms,but that in the recent years,
the number of rooms that havebeen added just to campus for
moms like that.
There's one right outside ouroffice suite in Saratoga.
One other question, Stacey, Iguess this is probably more for
(38:55):
you.
Are you doing anything with theprogramming that you're doing in
order to share it with otherpeople, either across the state,
across the country or globally.
Stacey Stephens (39:07):
Thanks for that question.
So we, first and foremost, letme say that we have a very
active social media accounts,Facebook and Instagram.
And so folks can reach us and wewill share that information.
But we have been fortunate thatwe have been able to present a
lot of the work that we do.
Breastfeeding work, our social,our work with social media, our
(39:30):
work and really supporting womenduring maternity care, our work
around our model of havingcommunity health workers really
lead this work.
We've been able to share this atlocal conferences and national
conferences.
And international conferences.
And so actually we'll be at theCity Match Conference in
(39:51):
September, New Orleans, andwe'll be presenting for during
for presentations.
And so yes, yeah we we reallytry.
We are very fortunate.
We take every opportunity to.
To share with folks what we'redoing, and we're fortunate that
we have partnered deeply acrossthe university.
(40:12):
And so others are also sharingthat work as they go to their
professional conferences aswell.
So, yeah, we're very fortunateto be able to do this
Dana Rampolla (40:22):
That's good to know, being that successful.
We need to encourage otherpeople to to look at your
program as a model.
Charles Schelle (40:30):
For the moms that are listening and they're
like, I need help, I need toreach out to B'More For Healthy
Babies what's the best way toget in contact, or, visit a
website to find out moreinformation.
Stacey Stephens (40:41):
So they can just go to, www.
healthybabiesbaltimore.
com.
And that's a way that That'sokay.
You got it.
Awesome, Shasha.
Dana Rampolla (40:50):
I was going to say, for those who can't see
because a lot of, most of ourlisteners are just listening,
not seeing our YouTubeproduction, but Shasha's sharing
her t shirt that is B'More forHealthy Babies with the website
emblazoned upon her chest of allplaces.
Thank
Stacey Stephens (41:05):
Absolutely.
And that's for anyone throughoutthe city and they can that will
put them in through thehealthcare access Maryland
single point of entry and you'llbe triage.
And then we'll get thereferrals, but I will also share
additional information about howto come directly into our
program and the communities thatwe do that we serve.
(41:27):
And I will share that that linklater on so that people can
access our services as well.
Charles Schelle (41:34):
Great.
And we'll definitely put in theshow notes for those who are
listening or in the episodedescription on YouTube.
Before we let you go, is thereanything else that you just
wanted to give moms as one lasttakeaway?
Shasha Satchell (41:47):
I would just say, you know, if you decided to
want to breastfeed, giveyourself grace, give yourself
time, you know, you'll get it.
Just stick with it and just havea good support system around you
and reach out.
Ask for help because what I'mfinding is a lot of times our
moms feel a little bitdiscouraged because of an
(42:08):
experience they might have hadin the past and they may not
feel comfortable or confidentenough to reach out and ask for
help.
So the say and go, close mouths,don't get fed, ask for help.
Ask for the help and it's hereand we'll definitely, uh, guide
you and get you started inwhatever your journey looks
(42:28):
like.
Charles Schelle (42:29):
Well said.
Yeah.
Yes.
So, uh, Stacey Stevens, ShashaSatchell from B'More for Healthy
Babies.
Thank you for all of your workand thank you for joining us on
The Pulse.
Shasha Satchell (42:42):
Thank you.
Thank you so much for having us!
The UMB Pulse with CharlesSchelle and Dana Rampolla is a
UMB Office of Communications andPublic Affairs production,
edited by Charles Schelle,marketing by Dana Rampolla.
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