In another historic first, Carrboro celebrated its designation as the first breastfeeding family friendly community Tuesday night. To be designated, the town had to complete 10 steps supporting breastfeeding in public spaces. Kathleen Anderson, Coordinator with Breastfeed Orange NC, led the effort to get Carrboro designated with support from health workers, Orange County health leadership, volunteers, and elected officials. “Elected officials were so supportive—that was the easy part” she said.

A celebration of supporters was followed by the Town Council meeting where Mayor Foushee read the official proclamation.

One requirement of the designation is to have one breastfeeding-friendly business for every 500 residents, which Carrboro greatly surpassed with at least 48 supportive businesses signing on to the effort. Supportive businesses display a decal on their doors or windows.

Mrs. Anderson said that one of the fun parts of getting businesses on board was hearing the stories business owners told about breastfeeding—stories about their own or their family members’ experiences and the support they did or didn’t have.

I asked her what a breastfeeding family can expect when they are in Carrboro. “They can go anywhere in the community and safely feed their baby where they are. They can feel comfortable just being. If they feel welcome, we’ve done our job.” Her hope is that someday the right to breastfeed will be assumed and the practice will be common in everyday community life so that a designation isn’t needed.

If you think breastfeeding is an issue only for infants and their families, consider that we all play a role in the wellbeing of our community. Mrs. Anderson asks: “Is anything more important than the health and safety of the youngest members of our community?

Thank you for supporting them, Kathleen Anderson! And thank you for donning The Carrborean’s signature beret! More information about how communities can be designated Breastfeeding Family Friendly is available on this website.