Brilliant Detroit offers safe, judgment-free breastfeeding rooms

Brilliant Detroit, an organization dedicated to building kid success neighborhoods, today announced the creation and rollout of judgment-free breastfeeding spaces and the launch of a new program to provide moms the resources, tools and support they need to have a successful breastfeeding journey.

In collaboration with Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association (BMBFA) and Evenflo Feeding, these feeding-friendly spaces are housed inside well-appointed, dedicated rooms at all seven Brilliant Detroit home-based hubs located throughout Detroit – complete with recliners and sofas for comfortable breastfeeding, diapers and a feeding tool kit for moms in need of feeding supplies courtesy of Evenflo Feeding, as well as other appropriate amenities. The breastfeeding spaces also serve as a resource room for moms looking for additional support and information for themselves and baby. They are available to local Detroit mothers and babies during regular hours of operation, which vary by each neighborhood location, and are free to use.

“I am grateful to BMBFA and Evenflo Feeding for their partnership and assistance with a solution for improved breastfeeding support and outcomes to serve our moms, moms-to-be and our tiniest residents,” said Cindy Eggleton, CEO, Brilliant Detroit. “We listen to our community members to learn what they require to help their families and children ages 0 to 8 be healthy and whole. Breastfeeding was an area of interest that was emphasized as a great area of importance to our participants.”

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Detroit’s infant mortality rate between years 2015-2017 was 14.05/1,000 live births. This is astoundingly higher than Michigan’s overall state rate of 6.78/1,000 live births.

The emotional and health benefits of breastfeeding are widely known to help infants build strong immune systems and establish positive long-term physical and psychosocial health benefits throughout childhood into adulthood. Most notably is the congruent relationship between breastfeeding and the reduction of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Historically, Black breastfeeding rates have lagged national averages, with only 27.3 percent of Black infants in Michigan being exclusively breastfed through three months, compared to 44.4 percent nationally or 36.6 statewide.

“For far too long urban revitalization plans have overlooked the breastfeeding mother-baby dyad. Well, not anymore!” said Kiddada Green, founder and executive director of Detroit-based Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association. “We are thrilled to welcome mothers and babies into trusted community spaces, specially designed to support breastfeeding moms. Within these hubs we have created an environment that uplifts and encourages breastfeeding as the primary source of infant nutrition, while also helping mothers to build supportive networks within their own communities.”

“Community – family, trusted neighbors, and friends – is key to mom creating and meeting her personal breastfeeding goals,” said Elise Meyer Ring, senior director of marketing at Evenflo Feeding. “We are honored to partner with Brilliant Detroit and BMBFA as they continue to build and strengthen communities throughout Detroit. Through our partnership, Evenflo Feeding will support moms in their local communities and help to increase breastfeeding success rates by providing education and resources in neighborhood spaces.”

For more information about these breastfeeding spaces, nursing mothers and moms-to-be in Detroit can call Brilliant Detroit at 313-483-8992 or reach out via email at info@BrilliantDetroit.org.

Brilliant Detroit’s seven hubs are located in the following neighborhoods: Brightmoor, Central/Piety Hill, Cody Rouge, Fitzgerald, Osborn, Southwest/Chadsey-Condon and Springwells. Brilliant Detroit is coming soon to four additional neighborhoods to be announced at a later date.

About BMBFA

BMBFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2007. BMBFA’s mission is to reduce racial inequities in breastfeeding support for black families. The mission is carried out by way of direct service, trainings, advocacy and social movement. Nationally, BMBFA is a recognized leader in the field. Among other distinguished work and awards, BMBFA served as a contributing expert for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention by providing recommendations for the U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. BMBFA is nationally accredited by HealthConnect One for its community-based doula program. Its signature work, Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Club (BMBFC), is nationally replicated and has run without interruption for over 10 years. Furthermore, BMBFA is the anchor organization for the Black Breastfeeding Caucus, co-leader/creator of Black Breastfeeding Week and the Black Infant Remembrance Memorial. Learn more at BlackMothersBreastfeeding.org.

About Evenflo Feeding

Evenflo Feeding is a female-led organization that believes every mother – regardless of wealth, status or community – should have access to the tools and support they need for a successful breastfeeding journey. We work with Breastfeeding Experts and Mothers to design our award-winning breast pumps and accessories, and provide families with quality, innovative products at an accessible price. We are Every Baby’s Advocate & Every Parent’s Ally™. To learn more visit EvenfloFeeding.com.

About Brilliant Detroit

Established in 2015, Brilliant Detroit provides a radically new approach to kindergarten readiness in neighborhoods and create a unique delivery model for early childhood development by using underutilized housing stock to create early child and family centers in neighborhoods. Brilliant Detroit homes – complete with signature orange-colored front doors – provide holistic services for children ages 0-8 predicated on evidence-based programs around health, family support and education. Brilliant Detroit was born to create kid success neighborhoods. In each location, neighbors come together for fellowship, activities and learning to assure school readiness and provide needed support for families. For more information, visit BrilliantDetroit.org.