Providing much-needed support to nursing mothers

MILLERTON — Some mothers have trouble breast feeding their infants — a very real problem that can be addressed by the proper experts. A group of those professionals will gather Monday, May 23, at No. 9 Restaurant at Simmons’ Way Village Inn in Millerton for a mini-conference.“Twenty professionals in the field are coming for the latest updates on the topic,” said local lactation consultant Kristen Panzer, adding one will be traveling in from Chicago, one from the Washington, D.C., area and even one from Paris. “It’s a very specific curriculum and will be interesting because this speaker [is an expert] on how maternal health and nutrition affects lactation. It will be about how to address babies’ health through addressing maternal health, and not just with diet, but [by teaching] that other ways of restoring mom to health can have impact.”The keynote speaker is International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Jennifer Tow, who is originally from Connecticut but has since relocated to Paris. Panzer said she’ll be able to address issues like why some parents have “fussy babies” who don’t like to breast feed.“The symptoms may link back to something we can address at the maternal health profile,” she said. “I’m not an expert on this, which is why we invited Jennifer.”Lactation consultants work with mothers on infant feeding and can help address problems that arise, as well as help identify problems that need to be treated medically.“We can partner with mom,” Panzer said. “Sometimes if the baby can’t latch on, a lactation consultant can identify something like the baby might be tongue-tied, which is a real problem with the restricted tongue function that will require a doctor’s help. A lactation consultant can assist mom through the whole thing. We can provide suggestions and strategies that optimize normal infant feeding.”The conference costs $140, and runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; it includes six hours of curriculum. While it is geared toward professionals, nonprofessionals (including “average moms”) are welcome to attend. There will be ample time for questions and answers. The goal for those who attend this seminar is simple, Panzer said: “Heal the mother, heal the baby.”

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less