Additional Resources

You Overcoming Lactation Obstacles (YOLO) is a community-based organization that aspires to meet the needs of birth and breastfeeding families throughout Genesee County and the surrounding areas.

Classes for Families

Breastfeeding Class

Take a virtual class that’s flexible with your schedule. Whether you’re a first time parent or starting over, this class will meet your needs. Get all of your questions and more answered with our class. We suggest having your partner/support person attend class as well. Our class provides you with visuals and cheat sheets for the things you want to remember.

Caregiver Class

This class is available for daycare providers and caregivers (grandparents or family members) that take care of nursing babies. We will teach you how to support breastfeeding families and their goals. This class covers pace feeding, storage, quantity of milk appropriate for baby’s age, and more.

Childbirth Education Class

Our childbirth class will teach you about your body as it prepares for birth and how to advocate for the birth you desire. You will also learn what to expect during birth and the postpartum period.

Childbirth Education Refresher Class

Are you looking for a different birthing experience than you previously had, or looking to learn how birth has changed since you last delivered? This is the class for you!

Lactation Services for Families

Personalized Return-to-Work Planning

One-on-one consultation with YOLO Founder, Shonte’ Terhune-Smith, regarding how to properly transition back into the workspace as a breastfeeding mom.

1:1 Breastfeeding Sessions (In-person and Virtual)

Meet with YOLO in your postpartum days for baby weight checks, weighted feeds to see how much milk baby is transferring during any given feeding session, analyze latch or possible ties/oral restrictions, discuss goals and strategies, troubleshoot, and more.

Personalized Office Visits or Home Visits

The purpose is to educate breastfeeding moms on breastfeeding equipment (such as pumps) breastmilk storage and milk supply. These visits can be done prenatally or postpartum.

FREE Resources for Breastfeeding Moms and Families

Nursing bras, pumps, etc.

Birth Services for Families

Doula Support

Personalized care and visits prenatally to discuss birth preferences, goals, what to expect during your birth, and comfort techniques. The pivotal service being continuous attendance from a professional doula during your labor and delivery to help you feel empowered and make informed decisions throughout your active labor, transition, birth, and magic hour.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

For Genesee County Residents: All lactation appointments (both virtual and home sessions) are currently free. When scheduling, please enter GENESEE in the coupon code field to update the price.

Classes for Birth Workers

Reviving the Village Course

This course was created for community members, doulas, grassroots organizations, and breastfeeding supporters that are in search of growing professionally. This course centers equity, community, interactive learning, and guidance in starting your career as a lactation professional. This 45-hour credit course can count towards your educational hours before the IBCLC exam. If your goal is to be part of the solution in your community, this course is for you!

Lead Exposure and Breastfeeding

Lead exposure is a significant concern for breast/chestfeeding parents and their infants. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can have harmful effects on the developing nervous system, especially in infants and young children. Here are some important points to know about lead and human milk feeding.

Lead Exposure Sources

Lead can be found in various sources, such as lead-based paint in older homes, contaminated soil, some imported goods, certain ceramics or pottery, and water from lead pipes or fixtures. It’s essential for human milk feeding parents to be aware of potential sources of lead exposure in their environment.

Lead and Breast Milk

If a breast/chestfeeding person is exposed to lead, small amounts of lead can be transferred to the breast milk. However, it’s important to note that human milk remains the best source of nutrition for babies, and the benefits of breastfeeding typically outweigh the risks associated with minimal lead transfer.

Reducing Lead Exposure

Families should take precautions to minimize lead exposure. This includes identifying and addressing potential sources of lead in their environment, such as avoiding certain products or ensuring their home’s water is safe. Regularly washing hands and maintaining good hygiene can also help reduce the risk of lead exposure.

Testing for Lead

If a lactating person is concerned about lead exposure, they can discuss with their healthcare provider about getting a blood lead level test. This can help determine if there is a need for further action to reduce exposure.

Infant Lead Exposure

Even though breast milk typically contains low levels of lead, infants can also be exposed to lead through other means, such as contaminated dust or water. It’s crucial to create a safe environment for the baby by addressing potential lead hazards.

Nutritional Support

A diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C may help reduce lead absorption in both the lactating person and the breastfeeding infant. These nutrients can help mitigate the effects of lead exposure.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

If a lactating person is concerned about lead exposure and its potential effects on the baby, it’s essential to seek advice from healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and lactation consultants.

Testing Water Sources

If lead pipes or fixtures are suspected in the home, it’s essential to have the water tested for lead levels. Using a water filter that is certified to remove lead can be helpful.

Overall, breastfeeding/chestfeeding provides numerous benefits for both the lactating parent and the baby. If someone is concerned about lead exposure, it’s essential to work with healthcare professionals to identify and mitigate potential risks while continuing to provide the baby with the many health advantages of human milk.