Harmony
Nutrition & Lactation
Helping parents of color feel comfortable with nourishing themselves & their little ones
**Rachel will have a limited schedule in September and will be on maternity leave beginning October 2022.
For lactation and nutrition services during this time, please email Rachel@HarmonyNL.com for information about working with her Cocoa BEANS team.
"People are often more likely to do something
when they see someone who looks like them doing it." - Rachel Davis
Queen City
Cocoa B.E.A.N.S.
Queen City (QC) Cocoa B.E.A.N.S. is a non-profit* that serves to build a supportive, and informed community
for families in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Women of color and their families are encouraged to embrace good nutrition and breastfeeding as a cultural and social norm through Breastfeeding Education, Advocacy, Normalcy and Support (B.E.A.N.S.)
(*501(c)(3) providing tax deductible donations)
Events
All events are free and open to the public
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CURRENTLY ALL GROUPS ARE MEETING VIRTUALLY
Cafes
Enjoy open and comfortable conversations with specialists and other mothers. All lactation topics from first latch to weaning are open for discussion.
Feel free to bring your children or slip away for an hour! You will also find diapers and refreshments at each of our cafes.
We're here to answer questions and provide safe, non-judgemental spaces to get acquainted with local families and current information on caring for your little one.
~Mecklenburg County Breastfeeding Cafe~
~Union County Breastfeeding Cafe~
Hablamos español
*Check social media for upcoming meetings
Click HERE to register for the next group and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for upcoming dates and times!
Community Baby Showers
Since 2016, QC Cocoa B.E.A.N.S. has hosted a community baby shower event annually. We partner with the Office of Minority Health's Preconception Peer Educator program (a national campaign raising awareness about infant mortality within the African American community) and the Office on Women's Health's It's Only Natural initiative ("a public education campaign that aims to raise awareness among African American women of the importance of and benefits associated with breastfeeding and provide helpful tips").
The It's Only Natural session is led by lactation consultants, guests play baby shower games, and are able to speak with a lactation consultant and registered dietitian about breastfeeding tips, nutrition, equipment and additional resources. During these showers, families receive breastfeeding
education, play games, eat and collect a large donation bag filled with new and gently used or new baby items.
National Breastfeeding Month
August is Breastfeeding Awareness month. And the last week, August 25th-31st, is Black Breastfeeding Week. Across the nation, cities hold community events to recognize, normalize, and celebrate breastfeeding among families of color.
Along with food, games, and laughter, Charlotte, NC families are able to connect and learn about local support.
August 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week (Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility)
August 8-14 Native Breastfeeding Week (Nourishing Our Futures)
August 15-21 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week (Reclaiming Our Tradition)
August 25-31 Black Breastfeeding Week (The Big Pause: Collective Rest for Collective Power)
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Check back for other upcoming events and stay connected with the latest news on social media!