Running a Successful Baby Café with Christine Staricka, IBCLC

Episode Summary:In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Christine Staricka, IBCLC, facilitator of Baby Café Bakersfield and lactation educator with Gold Learning. Together, they explore how Baby Cafés provide critical breastfeeding support, the challenges and rewards of running one, and tips for IBCLCs considering starting a Baby Café in their communities.What is a Baby Café?Christine explains the Baby Café model and how it differs from other lactation support groups. Topics include:The origins of Baby Café in the UK and how it expanded to the U.S.The unique blend of peer support and professional lactation careHow Baby Cafés eliminate barriers by providing free access to IBCLCsWhy data collection and reporting make Baby Cafés an evidence-based modelFunding and Sustainability: How Baby Cafés OperateChristine breaks down the financial logistics of running a Baby Café, including:Common funding sources such as grants, hospital partnerships, and local donationsHow community organizations like libraries, WIC, and even zoos host Baby CafésThe relatively low startup costs and licensing fees required to open a Baby CaféStrategies for securing long-term financial sustainabilityA Day at Baby Café: What to ExpectChristine describes what a typical Baby Café meeting looks like, including:How parents are welcomed and introduced to the spaceThe informal and supportive structure where all attendees can interactThe role of IBCLCs, peer supporters, and other community professionalsHow weight checks and lactation assessments are integrated into the group settingChallenges and Lessons from 11 Years of Baby Café BakersfieldChristine shares the biggest challenges she has faced in over a decade of running a Baby Café, including:The difficulty of maintaining a consistent location and adapting to changesStaffing concerns and how to recruit and retain qualified IBCLCs and volunteersNavigating the need for bilingual support in a diverse communityThe impact of formula marketing and the ongoing fight against predatory messagingUsing Baby Cafés as a Training Ground for Future IBCLCsOne of the unique aspects of Baby Cafés is their ability to serve as a hands-on training site for IBCLC candidates. Christine discusses:How Baby Cafés provide valuable clinical experience for lactation studentsThe types of cases students get exposure to in a community-based settingHow mentoring future IBCLCs helps sustain and grow lactation support servicesAdvice for IBCLCs Interested in Starting a Baby CaféChristine offers practical guidance for IBCLCs considering launching a Baby Café, including:The first steps to take and how to assess community needWhy partnering with an established organization can provide financial and logistical supportThe benefits of being part of Baby Café USA versus creating an independent lactation groupWhere to find resources and support to get startedGuest Info:Christine Staricka, IBCLC, is the facilitator of Baby Café Bakersfield and an education planner with Gold Learning. She has worked in lactation for over a decade and is passionate about expanding access to evidence-based breastfeeding support.🔗 Find Christine Online:📸 Instagram: @ChristineStaricka🌐 Gold Learning:

There are no comments yet.

Please log in to write the first comment.