By Katie Vasquez
JAMAICA, Queens — Families in Queens now have two new places to find free breastfeeding support and parenting resources through a partnership between Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens’ Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and Northwell LIJ Forest Hills.
The Baby Café locations, in Jamaica and Woodside, offer weekly sessions where parents, expecting parents and caregivers can receive one-on-one guidance from certified professionals in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
Organizers say the program is designed to help families navigate the challenges of breastfeeding while connecting them with community resources.
“We understand that it’s a learned process for both the mother and the baby, so allowing them space to be able to relax and not think that they’re getting it right or wrong,” said Brenda Wilson of Northwell LIJ Forest Hills.
The initiative also aims to expand access to lactation support in underserved communities, where those resources may be difficult to find.
Leoniza Nazareno, director of the Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens WIC Program, said the mission is personal.
“As a mom myself, I struggled breastfeeding, especially with my firstborn,” Nazareno said. “At the time, I was looking for support, and I couldn’t find any anywhere in the community. I told myself that if I was lucky enough to be able to provide that kind of support in the community, that’s what I was going to do.”
For mothers attending the Baby Café, the support can make a significant difference.
Jeysel Sanchez, a client at the program, said the guidance has given her confidence with her second child after she was unable to breastfeed her first.
“It makes me feel like a better mom,” Sanchez said in Spanish through an interpreter. “With my first baby, I couldn’t breastfeed, and now I know that I can breastfeed my second.”
The Baby Café program is free and open to parents, expecting parents and caregivers seeking breastfeeding education, encouragement and support. Organizers hope the new locations will help more families build confidence and improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Families can visit 161-10 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 304 on Wednesdays between 10am-12pm and 42-71 65th Place in Woodside on Fridays from 10am-12pm.