CMSRU and Camden County Library launch New Jersey’s first Baby Café

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), in collaboration with the Camden County Library System and Camden County Commissioners, has launched New Jersey's first Baby Café. Located at the Riletta L. Cream branch on Ferry Avenue, the Cooper-Camden Baby Café (CCBC) provides a welcoming space where breastfeeding parents can connect, access support, and receive education every Thursday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

"Today marks a pivotal moment for our community as we open the doors to New Jersey's first Baby Café," said Annette C. Reboli, MD, dean of CMSRU. "This initiative embodies our mission to educate, innovate, and serve by supporting families and addressing health disparities. By providing a supportive environment and valuable resources, the Baby Café will not only improve maternal and child health outcomes but also enrich the training of our future physicians, who will have the opportunity to engage with the community directly."

Supporting Families, Addressing Health Disparities

The Baby Café aims to eliminate barriers to breastfeeding by offering a supportive community for parents. Visitors will have access to evidence-based breastfeeding information, peer support, a digital baby-weighing scale, and healthy refreshments. In addition, Sindy Ferreira, an international board-certified lactation consultant, will provide one-on-one guidance to parents during drop-in hours.

"The Cooper-Camden Baby Café is a collaborative effort to address disparities in breastfeeding support by providing culturally relevant services," Ferreira said. "We welcome all breastfeeding families, those who support them, and anyone considering breastfeeding in Camden County and beyond."

As part of the initiative, CMSRU medical students will play an active role, acquiring skills in leading support groups, building community connections, and addressing common breastfeeding concerns. This partnership highlights CMSRU's commitment to creating innovative programs that benefit families while advancing medical education.

A Collaborative Effort

The Baby Café represents a unique partnership between CMSRU, Camden County Commissioners, and the Camden County Library System. It also aligns with the library's mission to foster community engagement.

"The library is excited to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for new parents at the Baby Café," said Library Director Linda Devlin. "This partnership aligns perfectly with our goals of promoting lifelong learning and building connections with our community."

Mayor Victor Carstarphen emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, "Opening the first Baby Café in New Jersey right here in Camden is a testament to our city's commitment to improving maternal and child health. This collaborative effort provides an essential resource for families and a model for communities statewide."

The Baby Café also features a story time for accompanying young children, hosted by a designated librarian during café hours, further promoting a family-friendly atmosphere.

A Model for the Future

Supported by state funding and aligned with the national Baby Café USA network, the Cooper-Camden Baby Café is poised to become a model for addressing health disparities and fostering community well-being. Since 2012, Baby Café USA has grown to include over 150 locations nationwide, targeting underserved areas with low breastfeeding rates.

"Through this initiative, CMSRU continues to fulfill its mission of advancing health and education in Camden and beyond," said Dean Reboli. "Together with our partners, we are empowering families and improving lives."

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