Infant Feeding Circle
A welcoming and nurturing peer-to-peer support group for all mothers learning to feed their babies
TUESDAY MORNINGS
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Roots Family Collaborative
Our Infant Feeding Circle provides a safe and non-judgmental space to share the joy and challenges of the feeding experience.
Gain validation, encouragement, and connection to local resources by joining other mothers learning to feed their babies. Common themes that come up during our group are, but not limited to:
Please respect our space and other families by honoring our illness policy; please do not coming if you or your baby are feeling sick or are still contagious.
What to expect at our Infant Feeding Circle
We use a peer-to-peer support group model that is both structured and unstructured, allowing for all voices to be heard and for those who wish to be listeners to be respected. All are welcome at our Infant Feeding Circle.
At our Infant Feeding Circle you can expect:
Weaning
Pumping and going back to work
Resources in the community
Emotional complications
How to reach out for help
Feeling overwhelmed
Is my baby getting enough?
Formula feeding
Is this working for me?
Partner relationships
Other mothers who understand
To be heard and acknowledged
To finish your thoughts without being interrupted or judged
A friendly, inviting peer-facilitator
A certified lactation counselor
A safe and comfy space that is peaceful and clean
Our goals for every group
To support and foster connection for mothers during the perinatal period.
To acknowledge the challenging (and beautiful) realities of feeding an infant.
To provide a safe space for mothers to share experiences around feeding.
To connect mothers to appropriate resources in the community.
EXTRA RESOURCES
The early postpartum period is a crucial time for support for families in feeding their babies. Our community has providers to support your journey with feeding.
Mothers who have physical and emotional support during the postpartum period are more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals and feel better overall about mothering their infant(s).
Formula feeding is often a method that gets overlooked, meaning there may not be enough resources out there to help you while feeding your infant. At Roots, we want to help provide support, compassion, and resources to you.
Still need support? Reach out directly.
Groups are free but please register on days you plan to attend.
Please don’t come if you or your baby are feeling sick or are still contagious.
Meet our facilitators
Julie Zickovich
Julie Zickovich is a Bozeman native and the mother of a seven year old son, Ivan, two cats, and her beloved chickens. When Ivan was born, feeding him was complex and coupled with isolation, attributed to postpartum depression. Julie understands that not all moms experience postpartum depression however all new moms are experiencing feeding their babies for the first time. She also knows all babies are not the same and is dedicated to normalizing the truths of new parenthood including the complexity of feeding, supporting new moms and families, and creating connection between each other. As facilitator of the Infant Feeding Circle, Julie wants to listen to moms, provide a space for moms to feel supported, and be with moms so they know they are not alone.
Sara Longobardi
Sara Longobardi is a mama of three, and found Roots through the Re:born monthly gathering and immediately felt the authentic support offered in that space. After putting her career in healthcare on hold to be home full-time with her children, she is now working towards her IBCLC (Lactation Consultant) certification. Sara had feeding challenges with her third baby that threw her for a loop, as well as postpartum struggles where she learned the necessity of finding and connecting with a support system. She is excited to help other mothers in their feeding journeys with their babies and to be a part of the amazing resources for families in our community. Sara loves playing the cello, attempting to finish books in time for book club, volunteering with Roots & MAEVE Bozeman, and embracing the wild ride that is motherhood.