The Baby Café: Free Information & Support to Families

Beginning January 10, 2024 at the Bennington Community Market

As anyone who has ever cared for a newborn knows, the first days, weeks, and months are often filled with more questions than answers: Is the baby eating enough? Are they sleeping too much or too little? Is this much spit up normal? The list goes on and on. But one subject that seems to top the list of new parent/caregiver concerns is breastfeeding.

Often described as the “natural way” to feed your baby, breastfeeding does not always come naturally to a mother or baby. For those who are feeding breast milk by bottle or using formula, there are other challenges too. The experience can be frustrating and emotionally draining.

But now, thanks to the opening of a brand-new Baby Café, caregivers in the Bennington region have a reliable and comfortable place to find support and answers.

Starting January 10 and based out of the Bennington Community Market at 239 Main St., Bennington, the Baby Café is a service provided by the Women’s and Children’s Services of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. Open every Wednesday from 11 to 12:30pm, the Café is a free, drop-in, informal breastfeeding support group staffed with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and/or RNs.

From questions about lactation, accessing the local milk bank, and weaning to tips on latching on, pumping, and storing milk, the Baby Café is the perfect place for anyone seeking information related to feeding infants human milk.  Plus, it provides parents and caregivers the chance to share experiences and challenges of feeding your infant.

In addition, the Baby Café will have a scale on hand at each meeting for all-important weigh-ins. Snacks and beverages will also be served.

All interested new and expectant parents—no matter how you currently are or plan to feed your child—are encouraged to attend. Siblings and other children are also welcome. No registration is required.

Mindy Dame, MS, RN is the Director for Intensive Care, Women’s and Children's Services at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.