OCO Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding, and Lactation Friendly NY

03/23/2026

Tomorrow is our Breastfeeding Cafe in Fulton! We meet at the Fulton Recovery Resource Center from 10-11:30. Come out and meet new friends and get breastfeeding help or advice if you need it! We would love to have you join us!

03/23/2026

One of the most common worries new parents hear is: “Don’t hold the baby too much, you’ll spoil them.”
But modern child development research tells a very different story.

This visual highlights an important truth: you cannot spoil a baby with love, comfort, and responsiveness. In fact, these early interactions are essential for healthy emotional and neurological development.

A newborn’s brain is still developing rapidly and relies heavily on caregivers to regulate basic systems like heart rate, body temperature, stress levels, and emotions. When parents respond to their baby’s needs — whether that’s feeding, holding, or soothing — they are literally helping build the neural pathways that support trust, safety, and emotional regulation later in life.

Another key message here is that crying is communication, not manipulation. Babies cry because they need something: hunger, discomfort, fatigue, or closeness. At this stage of life, infants simply do not have the cognitive ability to manipulate behavior or form habits intentionally. Responding to them is not “giving in” — it is meeting a biological need.

Research also suggests that holding and comforting babies actually strengthens emotional security. Babies who receive consistent, responsive care often cry less over time and develop stronger attachment bonds with caregivers. This secure attachment becomes the foundation for better emotional regulation, resilience, and social confidence later in childhood.

The image also points out that feeding on demand is completely normal, especially in the early months. Frequent feeding, contact naps, and wanting to be held are all part of normal infant development. Babies are not capable of being “trained” before they are developmentally ready — their needs come first.

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway is this: security today leads to independence tomorrow. Children who feel safe and supported early in life often grow into more confident, independent individuals. The connection built through responsive care helps them explore the world knowing they have a secure base to return to.

Parenting advice changes with time, but decades of research continue to reinforce the same message: love, responsiveness, and connection are not indulgences — they are foundations for healthy development.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or expecting a child, this is a reminder that sometimes the best parenting strategy is also the simplest one: be there, respond, and hold them close.



Disclaimer: This caption is for informational and educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or pediatric advice.

03/20/2026

💛 | Benefits of Breastfeeding

during National Nutrition Month, we’re highlighting the many benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and parents. Breastfeeding can provide important nutrition, immune support, and opportunities for bonding during a baby’s early development.

At Breastfeeding Friendly New York, we believe every family deserves access to the information, resources, and supportive environments needed to make feeding decisions that work best for them. Creating breastfeeding-friendly spaces in healthcare, workplaces, and communities helps ensure parents feel supported wherever they are on their feeding journey.

Together, we can help build healthier futures for babies and families by supporting good nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life. 🌱

03/17/2026

Forget the leprechaun’s gold, we’ve got the real 'Liquid Gold' right here! 🌈✨ Breastmilk is packed with antibodies and nutrients that provides a lifetime of health benefits for your baby.

Whether you're breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or providing expressed milk, this incredible nourishment is a testament to your dedication!

03/16/2026

Spring Breastfeeding Workshop: A Success! 🌸

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined the OCOBFFNY team and the Oswego County Breastfeeding Coalition for our Spring Breastfeeding Workshop! It was so inspiring to see our community come together to learn, share, and connect.

We hope everyone left feeling supported and confident in their infant feeding journey. To add to the excitement: 🎁 The first 6 attendees to register took home goodie bags filled with nursing essentials! 🎉 We also raffled off a breast pump to one lucky participant to help them on their journey.

We are honored to be part of your support system. Let’s keep building a healthier, more supportive environment for Oswego County families together!

03/11/2026

🌟 Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day! 🌟
Today we celebrate the incredible Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who empower parents and caregivers—especially families on their lactation journey—with inclusive, evidence‑based guidance. From supporting human milk feeding and lactation nutrition to promoting healthy growth for little ones, our RDNs help families build strong foundations from the very beginning. 💚
Join us in thanking these dedicated professionals for the meaningful impact they make every day!

03/11/2026