by Share On Social!
The New York Milk Bank-the first milk bank in New York state (19% Latino)-opened early 2016 and was off to a successful start, at least, in terms of donations and handling.
Delivery; however, was a problem.
Julie Bouchet-Horwitz, the nurse practitioner and lactation consultant who opened the milk bank, struggled to deliver milk to babies in need in Manhattan (25% Latino) due to traffic.
Increasing breastfeeding rates among Latina mothers could reduce risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and improve overall health for mother and infant. Additionally, breast milk is linked to significant early brain growth in premature babies.
Bouchet-Horwitz thought about motorcycles weaving their way through traffic jams with the precious cargo.
“So I did a ‘Google search’ for a female motorcycle club, thinking that women would be more receptive to the idea of delivering milk to babies in need,” Bouchet-Horwitz said.
She contacted The Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club and they were interested in helping the milk and the moms and babies they serve.
The group of volunteers dubbed themselves the Milk Riders.
Looking to non-traditional partners is an excellent way to create a culture of health that supports breastfeeding.
Watch this Salud Hero video about how a WIC department in San Antonio established a Baby Cafe for all moms.
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