NEW BEDFORD Mass. -Southcoast Health is proud to announce the opening of two Baby Café locations. Baby Café, a free drop-in center offering support to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and assistance from specially trained lactation consultants, opens at Southcoast Health facilities in New Bedford today and Dartmouth on Tuesday, July 22.

In the Baby Café, mothers can relax, share tips and techniques, and socialize with other moms. One-on-one help from specially trained health professionals is available, including professional lactation support and WIC peer counselors. Also, babies can be weighed and breastfeeding assessed.

Originating in England, there are now more than 100 Baby Café centers around the world, including 42 locations across 12 states in the USA, with more in development.

The program is led locally by Southcoast Health Obstetrician/Gynecologist Uma Harinarayanan, MD. Assistance will be provided by Southcoast lactation consultants Michelle Murray, Kristen Brown, Kathy Egan, Donna Labelle and Donna Manna. Volunteers interested in providing assistance and sharing their breastfeeding experiences are also encouraged to attend.

The Baby Café will be open on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m at Southcoast Health Obstetrics and Gynecology at 543 North Street in New Bedford, and Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Southcoast Health Center for Women’s Health at 300B Faunce Corner Road in Dartmouth. No appointment is necessary. The centers also offer refreshments, comfy seating and play areas for accompanying toddlers.

For more information about these Baby Café centers, call 508-973-2208 or email your questions to babycafe@southcoast.org.