Breastfeeding Collaborative
Breastfeeding Support Meet-Up
As the monthly Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Meet-Ups enter their 2026-2027 season, organizers invite both returning participants and new families to participate.
Join us on August 15 for a special open house!
The new season begins with a special Breastfeeding Resources Open House on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Keweenaw Community Foundation, located inside the Hancock Community Hub, 417 Quincy St., Hancock.
Representatives from the Community Breastfeeding Collaborative will share information about services available to local families and answer questions about pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant feeding, and early parenthood.
The event is especially valuable for expecting parents, who can begin building relationships with local providers and gather resources to help prepare for their baby's first months. Families who are pregnant, currently breastfeeding, or simply exploring their options are invited to attend!
The program is financially supported by the Keweenaw Community Foundation through its Community Impact Fund, which invests in collaborative, community-driven projects that help maintain and enhance the quality of life across the greater Keweenaw area.
Details:
Educational topics and support provided by Certified Lactation Counselors
Free licensed childcare is available during the events
Light refreshments provided
Virtual meeting option via Zoom is available
When: 3rd Saturday of the Month
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
First Event Date: March 21, 2026
Where: Gabby’s Guppies
Hancock Community Hub
417 Quincy St. Hancock
Contacts:
Sarah Kuiper, BSN, RN, CLC
skuiper@wuphd.org
Melissa Naasko, CD, CLC
peaseblossombirth@gmail.com
About the Collaborative
Feeding an infant can feel overwhelming—especially for new parents—and every baby’s needs are different. In Michigan’s rural communities, families often face additional challenges due to limited or difficult-to-access breastfeeding support.
In late 2023, several organizations came together with a shared goal: to identify and address gaps in breastfeeding support in the Keweenaw. The collaborative has been working to learn about breastfeeding needs and find solutions for parents in the Copper Country.
This collaborative brings together local organizations to better understand breastfeeding needs in our community and work collectively to develop supportive, practical solutions. Through shared learning and coordination, partners connect families to resources and strengthen access to care across the region.
Community Resource Guide
One issue identified by community feedback was the lack of a centralized resource listing what is available for parents in our region. The collective created a PDF Resource Guide to help parents get started in their search for information and support.
BHK Child Development Board
Copper Country ISD - Early On
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation
KBIC Health System
Keweenaw Community Foundation
Participating Organizations
Tree House Family Resources
Upper Great Lakes Family Health Clinic
UP Health System - Portage
Western UP Health Department