Kodiak Kindness

Anytime I see Kodiak in the news, I’m instantly interested.  I lived 
on that beautiful and isolated Alaskan Island for 3 years, while my 
Dad, a polar oceanographer was stationed there with the US Navy. 
Kodiak is located in the heart of the Gulf of Alaska, and is well 
known for their gigantic bears and the home port for many of the King 
Crab fisherman.
I read about a wonderful program there called Kodiak Kindness, which 
provides on-going breastfeeding support to moms for up to 18 months 
after they deliver.

This program is an example of how to support moms with new babies.  
According the to Bradley Zint, from the Kodiak Mirror, the volunteers 
approach all new mothers, offering enrollment in the service. The 
hospital also offers mothers a packet of information and a breast 
pump. In addition they provide support and education on 
breastfeeding.  They also provide assistance, even house calls, Their 
24-hour cell phone hotline is dubbed the ‘warm line’.”

This reminds me of what public health nurses used to do back in the 
70’s.  We went out to visit new moms in their homes, providing all 
kinds of support and education.  Checking on babies and moms, 
screening for depression and helping them lean the basic skills like 
bathing, feeding and how to prevent and treat diaper rash and a whole 
host of other issues.

I’d love to hear about other programs like this one from my favorite 
Alaskan island!