For three decades, the Mom's Place Lactation Support Center has been at the heart of infant and maternal wellness in Austin, providing a lifeline for new families navigating the early stages of parenthood. As this invaluable resource hits its 30th anniversary, Austin Public Health is keen to highlight not just the achievements, but also the ongoing support accessible to the city's residents and beyond.
In August, a month that heralds global recognition of lactation's health benefits, Donna Sundstrom, Assistant Director of Community Services at APH, emphasized the local impact: "Every year in August, lactation is celebrated around the globe for the lifelong health and wellness benefits it provides to the mother and infant," Sundstrom said. "Locally, most families in our community are choosing to breast/chest-feed their newborns, and Mom’s Place Lactation Support Center is the perfect place to help them achieve their goals." The Center celebrated this milestone with the knowledge that they've bolstered upward of 2,500 moms and families in 2023 alone, with the figures for 2024 already crossing the thousand mark.
The core mission of Mom's Place, since its inception in 1994, has centered on inclusivity and availability. Service numbers are not just statistics; they signify a network of support for those across all economic spectrums, often including those lacking insurance or navigating minimal benefits. In addition to personal consultations, Mom’s Place is known for organizing numerous breastfeeding training sessions and presentations aimed at fostering a knowledgeable healthcare community.
Angela Fritsch, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator, champions the center's role in the city, "Mom’s Place has touched countless lives in our community, and we look forward to continuing this very important work," Fritsch said in an interview. She encourages the use of these resources, reiterating that "Each experience is unique, and we’re here to help guide you through it." The staff, boasting International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, Registered Nurses, and WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, provide expert care that's not limited to breastfeeding, extending into the broader, and delicately complex, postpartum period.
The successes and narratives that resonate from Mom’s Place weave a tale of not just service but the fostering of a community built on the foundations of health and well-being. For information or support, Mom’s Place invites contact at 512-972-6700.
