Mothers find support at new Baby Café in Meridian

Published 2:15 pm Monday, April 8, 2019

When Kristi Smith gave birth to Emma Leigh two years ago she asked a lactation consultant at her hospital for help with breast-feeding her newborn. But, a few short weeks later, problems began.

“We had supply issues,” Smith said. “Once we had trouble, it was all downhill.”

For mothers such as Smith, lactation consultants from Rush Foundation Hospital and Anderson Regional Medical Center teamed up to create a Baby Café, a place for mothers to form a support network. 

“When I was breast-feeding, there was no Baby Café,” said Smith, now 35 weeks pregnant with a boy. “It’s super crucial to have that support system.”

For mothers expecting, Reba Lee, a registered nurse and certified lactation specialist with Anderson, recommended education.

“The more you educate yourself, the more comfortable you’re going to be,” Lee said. “It’s the fear of the unknown that breeds problems.”

At Anderson, Lee offers support for new mothers struggling with breast-feeding, including supply issues or the emotional toll.

“One thing I would say to all expecting mothers, is that every mother has been a mother for the first time at some time,” Lee said. “And we all had the same questions.”

Lee, with Lesli White of Rush, will partner with a team to host a Baby Café twice a month at the Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, across the street from Rush. 

White, who has a bachelor of science in nursing and a certification as a lactation specialist, said the café could serve as a place where mother’s could get advice from other mothers and professional help.

“We just help mothers get off to the best breast-feeding start that they can,” White said. “Difficulty with latching (or) mastitis… or if it’s just an emotional struggle.” 

White said that it helps mothers to see other mothers in the same place or experiencing the same struggles.

“A lot of times encouragement is the big thing they need,” White said. “They have somebody who can relate to whatever stage they’re in; someone who can offer emotional support.”

Reed Endel, the worship and children’s pastor for Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, said a Baby Café would have been helpful for his wife during the birth of their daughter seven years ago. 

“When my wife was nursing, she called the hospital every two-to-three days with questions,” Endel said. “If we’d had something like this, it would have made the transition easier for us.”

Beyond the personal aspect, Endel said the meetings fit into the church’s mission of “Joining in the journey.”

“Let us help you with whatever stage of life you’re in,” Endel said, noting the church held classes for nearly every stage of life. “(My wife and I) relied on friends and neighbors a lot… We want people to know we’re here.”

For Smith, with a second baby on the way, knowing she had a group of mother’s comforted her.

“I have friends who have babies and toddlers, too, but knowing there are professionals alongside them… I feel more confident because I know I’m surrounded by support,” Smith said. 

The East Mississippi Baby Café will be open to expecting mothers and new mothers the first and fourth Monday of each month free of charge. Children are welcome to attend the “drop-in” event with light refreshments between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, call (662) 792-0206 or email eastmsbabycafe@gmail.com.