Dear Friend,
My name is Amen Ayanru. I’m an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in nutrition. For over a decade, I’ve been dedicated to the field of lactation, and today, I have the privilege of running Public Health Solutions’ Breastfeeding Warmline. Every day, I witness the incredible difference that compassionate support and breastfeeding guidance can make for new mothers and their babies.
This work is deeply personal to me. My passion for nutrition and breastfeeding began in college, but it was the birth of my first child that truly shaped my journey. Like many women, I faced challenges during my delivery — a C-section was performed at the convenience of my doctor, rather than my need. That experience left me feeling stripped of my agency, but breastfeeding became my way of reclaiming it. It was an act of love, connection, and strength that no one could take away.
Now, 13 years later, I help mothers across New York City navigate their breastfeeding journeys. I see myself in so many of them, including Daisia, a new mom who called our warmline feeling lost and overwhelmed. Together, we worked through the challenges of positioning and latching. Today, Daisia’s baby is thriving — happy, healthy, and strong — and Daisia herself has gained confidence as a mother. I’ve shared countless moments like these, and each one reminds me why this work matters so deeply.
Breastfeeding is more than a choice; it’s life-changing. It saves lives. It nurtures the health and well-being of mothers and their babies: reducing risks of Type 2 Diabetes, preventing illnesses in premature infants, and promoting mental and emotional health for mothers. Breastfeeding also alleviates financial stress for new families, providing a safe and accessible option during those early, unpredictable days. These benefits ripple outward, strengthening entire families and communities.
Yet, despite the undeniable importance of this work, our warmline is at a critical crossroads. We’re currently supported by passionate volunteers who generously give their time, but we lack the funding to pay them. We have two clinics in Queens, but families in other boroughs are left underserved. Many mothers need help during evenings or weekends — times we simply don’t have the resources to cover.
Your support can help us bridge this gap and expand our reach to every mother and baby who needs us.
- A $100 donation can help us hire our committed volunteers as full-time employees.
- A $200 donation will allow us to expand our hours to better support working mothers.
- A $500 donation will help us establish additional warmline locations in other boroughs, ensuring access for all.
Every dollar you give brings us closer to a future where no mother has to navigate this journey alone. Together, we can build a community that uplifts mothers, nurtures families, and celebrates the joy of breastfeeding.
Thank you for believing in this mission and considering a donation. With your help, we can transform lives — one mother, one baby, one call at a time.
Warmly,
Amen Ayanru
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
Public Health Solutions Breastfeeding Warmline
P.S. Right now, a mother in our city is looking for the kind of care and connection only our warmline provides. Your support can help us reach her and countless others. Donate today and be a part of their stories: Public Health Solutions.