Joyce Bess, Certified Lactation Counselor and one of the founding members of Baby Cafe in the Jamestown area. Submitted photo

Certified lactation counselor Joyce Bess helps breastfeeding mothers and their families with any concerns that they have, through the nonprofit organization Baby Cafe.

Born and raised in Jamestown, Bess graduated from Jamestown High School in 1969. She later became a teacher for 34 and a half years — teaching at both Persell Middle School and Lincoln Elementary — before retiring in 2008.

She became one of the founders of the Baby Cafe organization in the area in 2016.

“There was a sister chain in Buffalo that started it and I went with two other girls up there to see what it was about,” Bess said. “We brought the idea back and made our own here in 2016. I became a Certified Lactation Counselor to help breastfeeding families.”

As a Certified Lactation Counselor with Baby Cafe, Bess helps breastfeeding families that might be having trouble and consults and teaches them. She can help teach mothers to use breast milk for making different, healthy foods, or to make foods from scratch using vegetables. Baby Cafe is not allowed to diagnose — only observe — but if they see an issue that they think should be seen by someone’s primary care doctor, they can suggest a visit.

“Mothers can come in and sit and talk with other mothers, and share their stories,” Bess said. “We offer healthy snacks, and we can give them things like blankets and breast pumps.”

The Covid-19 pandemic caused a shutdown for Baby Cafe, just like many other places. The nonprofit did their best to continue to help mothers and families virtually, though Bess said it was a much slower process. The nonprofit organization hopes to reopen soon at their new location — 120 West Third St. They will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“Anyone can drop in with questions or concerns,” Bess said. “They can meet other mothers or meet with me and or Reverend Chloe Smith. Everything is free. Doctors’ offices often charge for these services I think, but ours is free.”

Baby Cafe works with mothers who need coaching and care, with many different programs to offer. Bess said the hope is to bring many of the programs back once the new location opens, which should be soon. Until then, she encouraged people to make virtual appointments through the Facebook page.

Bess also works with mothers who have addiction problems and helps them to try and change their lifestyles for a healthy outcome. Baby Cafe offers all of their services for free, though Bess said this could change for some later on. For Bess, the mission of Baby Cafe became her ministry.

“We are a nonprofit that helps mothers and infants,” Bess said. “Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Infants are less likely to develop diabetes and obesity and a lot of other things.”

As one of the founding members, Bess said she has had concerns about the health of babies and mothers.

“I did my research after the Buffalo visit, and I made this my ministry,” Bess said. “Dad’s can get involved too. We encourage them to come and join in the reality that breasts are for feeding babies. They can also help when there are problems, or they can help mothers with more than one child take care of the other children. It’s a family affair.”

This is why Bess said the focus of Baby Cafe is not only on breastfeeding mothers, but breastfeeding families. Families are welcome to bring young children in as well when they come.

“We should be open shortly and everyone is welcome,” Bess said. “We welcome all income levels with breastfeeding questions. All are welcome to come, talk and join us. Bring you young children too, we have games and books and entertainment for them. It’s not limited to breastfeeding infants and mothers. We take care of the breastfeeding family.”