Ryan’s Road Journal: Grand Rapids

I was really excited for the Grand Rapids stop, because it was the one location where we didn’t actively seek a local organizer.  In fact, we created a video challenge for the people who signed up on our site.  I asked them to surprise us — and boy did they ever!  The bus came around the corner to dozens of pink signs with awesome statements about breastfeeding on them.  I actually told my dad (the bus driver) to slow down so that I could try to read them all!  

The rest of the day was just as special.  They had a full lineup of incredible speakers, including the state director of WIC who presented me with a proclamation from the Governor of Michigan stating his support of breastfeeding … very cool!  

I was also really impressed by how far people traveled to attend the event.  We had people who drove more than 2 hours to see the bus and take part in the event.  So, in some ways this stop was not just Grand Rapids, but really the state of Michigan!

At a few different times there were small groups of moms and babies that approached the booth together.  I asked them how they met each other and every time they said, “At a breastfeeding support group.”  Therein lies the power of bringing together likeminded moms!  I’d bet a tank of gas that these moms talk about much more than just breastfeeding.  In fact, I talked to one group about this and they made it clear that breastfeeding is just one part of being a new mom and that they felt it was absolutely critical to have support and an opportunity to share ideas and tips for all the other facets of motherhood in order to be successful with breastfeeding.

Fantastic job, Grand Rapids!  Thanks for the wonderful surprise and for everything you do to support and empower breastfeeding moms.

- Ryan

The Big Pink Bus is coming to … Grand Rapids, MI on July 28!

The bus can’t wait to get to Grand Rapids, MI, a city that rallied so hard to bring the Latch On America Tour to town that we couldn’t help but add them to the itinerary. Ryan decided he wanted to be surprised in Grand Rapids, so he has no idea all the good stuff that’s in store … ATTENTION RYAN:  Stop reading now.

Highlights of the Grand Rapids stop include …

• Hundreds of RSVPers from Grand Rapids, Detroit and the surrounding areas will join up at Rosa Parks Circle for a breastfeeding resource fair, family friendly activities, and conversations with a focus on breastfeeding as normal … natural … and healthy. Isn’t that a great theme? Enjoy a DJ, prizes, and more!

• The Latch On America Tour and Milk for Thought have goals of highlighting people who are empowering breastfeeding moms and helping them extend their reach. In Grand Rapids, we’re thrilled be to interviewing an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who has been doing amazing things for moms and babies — from NICU babies to past-partum depression and more. We’ll chat with her and some of the moms who wrote to us about her. It’s going to be powerful!

Can’t wait to see you in Grand Rapids!

{Find out more about the Grand Rapids event, and help us spread the word about the Latch On America Tour HERE!}

(photo by Robert Pearson)