Memorial Bench Honors Local Breastfeeding Advocate

On Feb. 24, a group of people surrounded a bench in San Mateo.

They were there for a very special reason - to honor one of their own, a local mother, activist and volunteer who recently passed away.

Anne Garrett passed away this past July 6. Garrett was an integral part of the Nursing Mothers Counsel (NMC), which helps provide free breastfeeding help and education to San Francisco Bay Area mothers.

Lori McBride of Redwood City had the following to say about her friend and fellow volunteer, Garrett:

"Anne was an inspiration to all who knew her. Besides all the time, dedication, and support she gave to NMC, Anne was the guru of our breastfeeding community. Anne was who we turned to for her vast knowledge and expertise."

McBride said, Anne was head of the San Mateo County WIC Breastfeeding Program, head of the San Mateo County Breastfeeding Advisory Committee, and founder of the Bay Area Lactation Associates. 

"Anne was passionate about promoting breastfeeding at the county, state, and national levels," McBride said. "She served as a mentor to breastfeeding mothers, WIC peer counselors, NMC counselors, and any who turned to her for advice."

As a tribute to Garrett, the local Nursing Mothers Counsel erected the Anne Garrett Memorial Bench at Central Park in San Mateo, and held a dedication ceremony for the bench on Feb. 24.

"The bench faces the young children's playground, and we hope that many nursing moms will use it," McBride said.

The plaque, with Anne's favorite saying, says: "Anne Garrett, 1950-2012: Healthy habits for life begin at birth. Breastfeed! You can do it!"

McBride said the recent dedication ceremony was touching and beautiful.

"We had a lovely bench dedication with an opportunity for family, friends, WIC co-workers and Nursing Mothers Counsel members to share their memories of Anne, [who] is greatly missed," she said. "Her passion, dedication, and inspiration were appreciated and respected by all who knew her."

See the above photos from the bench dedication ceremony.

Did you know Anne Garrett? Were you or any other mothers you know helped by the Nursing Mothers Counsel or any of the San Mateo County organizations that assist mothers with breastfeeding? Tell us in the comments below.

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