graphic
Home › ABOUT US

History

  

Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington Time Line & Summary of Accomplishments

1993  1994  1995  1996  1997  1998  1999 

2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007

1993

The Seattle-King County Breastfeeding Promotion Task Force starts its search for an organization through which they could raise funds for projects and linkup with other breastfeeding groups throughout the state.

1994

Ginny English, Executive Director of HMHB expresses an interest in helping to establish a statewide Breastfeeding coalition under the auspices of HMHB.

First meeting with Ginny, Mary Snapp (Attorney and then HMHB Board Member, Joanne Myers-Ceicko (Executive Director of Seattle Midwifery School and then HMHB Board Member), Lisa DiGiorgio (Nutrition Consultant for the Seattle-King County WIC Program) and Nancy Danoff (Pediatrician and then Chair, Seattle King County Breastfeeding Task Force).

1995

HMHB Board Meeting with Jean O’Leary, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator from the Washington State Department of Health to discuss funding and interest among the Local Coalitions statewide.

June: HMHB decides to take on breastfeeding promotion as one of its projects, the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington is formed. Nancy Danoff, MD is asked to become HMHB Board member to help organize and lead a statewide coalition. Jean O’Leary surveys WIC staff to determine their interest in participating in a statewide coalition.

September: HMHB Executive Director, Ginny English attends SKCBFC meeting to discuss the structure of the statewide coalition. DOH, WA State WIC Program provides funding for part-time coordinator and coalition activities.

1996

Western Co-chair: Nancy Danoff, MD, Eastern Co-chair: Kimberly Johnstone, MD

Program Coordinator: Denise Tung-Sharify
Twenty-two Local Coalitions; 125 individual members.

October 15: Eighty participants attended the first Annual Meeting “Building a Sustainable Breastfeeding Community” with Karin Cadwell, PhD.

Highlights: Development of a mission statement, goals, structure and Steering Committees, creation of a 25 page guide entitled: Getting Your Message Out to promote breastfeeding in local communities,  WBW breastfeeding promotion poster “Washington  State Thinks Breastfeeding is a Capitol Idea”, TV PSA “Why Breastfeed?” developed by Seattle-King County BFC and the BCW, aired on 21 stations across the state,  BCW logo created by artist, Lisa Schindler.

1997

Western Co-chair: Nancy Danoff, MD Eastern Co-chair: Kimberly Johnstone, MD

Program Coordinator: Sheryl Vick.
Twenty-three Local Coalitions; 694 individual members statewide.

October 17: Eighty-six people attended the Second Annual BCW Meeting “Investing in Washington’s Future” with Kiran Sarju, MPH, RD & Molly Pessl, RN, BSN, IBCLC.

Highlights: Development of the 5 year Strategic Plan and 1997 Action Plan, development of WBW Promotion Packet, WBW promotional items distributed to local coalitions for outreach activities, Best Start’s breastfeeding promotion radio PSA’s aired on six Spanish language radio stations, 1998 Action Plan drafted, first issue of the BCW newsletter printed and distributed.                                                                                                                                   

1998

Western Co-chair: Nancy Danoff, MD Eastern Co-chair: open.

Program Coordinator: Lynelle Hofman,
Twenty-three Local Coalitions; 1,070 individual members.

June 15: “How to Grow Breastfeeding Friendly Communities” Two-day training program with Karin and Anna Cadwell sponsored by BCW and HMHB.

October 12: Sixty people attended the third Annual BCW Meeting “Working with the Media & Traversing the Legislative Maze” with Elise Lindborg, King County Tobacco Prevention, Representative Jeri Costa, Anne Keppler, MN, RN, and Jeanne Schnieder, RN, IBCLC, of The Hospital Task Force, a subcommittee of the SKCBFC.

Highlights: Four issues of Breastfeeding Matters published, BCW Brochure created and printed, Media Watch campaign launched, WBW promotional items distributed to local coalitions for their outreach activities, “Working & Breastfeeding: It’s Worth it!” packet created in conjunction with WCAAP, DOH, and HMHB.

1999

Western Co-chair: Nancy Danoff, MD Eastern Co-chair: Ron Stevenson, MD

Program Coordinator: Kimberly Radtke
Twenty-three Local Coalitions; 1,158 individual members.

September 24: Seventy-three people attended the fourth Annual BCW Meeting/Conference,  “Breastfeeding, Let’s Make it Work!” with Linda Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC, and Sen. Jeri Costa.

Highlights: First printing (1,000 copies) of “Working & Breastfeeding: It’s Worth it!” First Annual Mother’s Day Card Fundraiser, First Annual BCW Award presented to Weyerhaeuser Corporation, “Working & Breastfeeding” TV PSA distributed, three issues of Breastfeeding Matters printed, 1999-2000 Action Plan created.

2000

Western Co-chair: Nancy Danoff, MD (out-going) Maryann O’Hara, MD (incoming) Eastern Co-chair: open

Program Coordinator: Kimberly Radtke
Twenty-one local coalitions; 1,302 individual members.

September 21: BCW Joint Steering Committee Annual Meeting

September 22: Over 130 people attend the fifth Annual BCW Conference with Marshal  Klaus, MD and Bob Crittenden, MD, MPH

Highlights: Second printing (1,500) of “Working & Breastfeeding: It’s Worth it!” packet, Second Annual Mother’s Day Card Fundraiser raised over $2,600, Metro “Working & Breastfeeding” bus sign project launched, “Working & Breastfeeding” TV PSA re-distributed, Best Start Breastfeeding Promotion Radio PSA distributed across statewide, BCW Guidelines are printed and distributed, three issues of Breastfeeding Matters distributed, BCW Brochure re-designed and printed, Second Annual Award presented to: Agilent Technologies, Spokane, WA. The Nancy Danoff, MD, Spirit of Service Award was established in honor of the awards namesake and to recognize her dedication, volunteerism, commitment and accomplishments.

2001

Western Co-chair: Maryann O’Hara, MD  Eastern Co-chair: Joan Danison, RD, IBCLC

Program Coordinator: Kimberly Radtke
Twenty local coalitions; 1,496 individual members.

September 27: BCW Joint Steering Committee Annual Meeting

September 28: A total of 222 people attended the largest ever Annual Conference in September. The nationally recognized and widely respected researcher, James McKenna, PhD and MaryAnn O’Hara, MD, MPH and Western chair of the BCW spoke on infant sleep and breastfeeding. Dr. McKenna also spoke that evening at a community presentation in Seattle. This well attended event included a silent auction benefiting the BCW.

Highlights: A highlight of the year was the passage of House Bill 1590, “The Breastfeeding Bill.”

  • In addition to helping to distribute free promotional items to local coalitions for World Breastfeeding Week, the BCW in conjunction with Seattle-King County Public Health posted 200 interior bus signs for Metro busses on routes that go through neighborhoods with WIC clinics that demonstrate the lowest rates of breastfeeding. Local Coalitions organized a variety of community events.
  • Three issues of Breastfeeding Matters newsletter were published. 
  • Nearly Fifteen hundred copies of ,“Working and Breastfeeding: It’s Worth it!” were distributed. Work began of the Spanish version of the packet.
  • The third Annual Mother’s Day Card fundraiser was held.
  • The third Annual BCW Outstanding Employer award was presented to Pay Plus Benefits (Kennewick, WA). Kay Batt, of the South King County Breastfeeding Coalition was the first recipient of the Nancy Danoff, MD, Spirit of Service Award.

2002

Western Co-chair: Maryann O’Hara, MD Eastern Co-chair: Joan Danison, RD, IBCLC

Program Coordinator: Kimberly Radtke
Twenty-two local coalitions; 1,500 individual members.

September 12: BCW Joint Steering Committee Annual Meeting

September 13: A total of 133 people attended the BCW’s Annual Conference, Breastfeeding and Oral Health, in September. The conference focused on the connection between oral health and breastfeeding and featured 5 local key speakers: Peter Domoto, DDS, MPH; Charlotte Lewis, MD, MPH; Lynn Wolfe, MOT, OTR, IBCLC; Wendy Mouradian, MD, MS; and Gail Wellenstein, MPH, MD.

Highlights: Three issues of Breastfeeding Matters newsletter were published.

  • Nearly 1,000 copies of the “Working and Breastfeeding: It’s Worth it!” were distributed. Work continued with the development of the Spanish version of this packet.
  • The fourth Annual Mother’s Day Card fundraiser was held.
  • Through out the year the BCW participated in numerous media events including providing commentary to newspapers and radio programs through out the state.
  • The WBW theme, “Breastfeeding: Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies,” highlighted the urgent need to protect, promote and support the health and well-being of mothers and babies. The BCW helped distribute free breastfeeding promotional items to local coalitions who organized a variety of community events including, library displays, walks, health fairs, and trainings.
  • The fourth annual “Outstanding Employer Award” was presented to Davita, Inc (Tacoma, WA) Lisa DiGiorgio, RD, MPH, WIC administrator for Public Health Seattle-King County and member of the King County Breastfeeding Coalition received the Nancy Danoff, MD Spirit of Service Award.

2003

Western Co-chair: Maryann O’Hara, MD Eastern Co-chair: Joan Danison, RD, IBCLC

Program Coordinator: Kimberly Radtke
Twenty-two local coalitions; 1,500 individual members.

November 14: Nearly 40 breastfeeding advocates representing 14 out of 22 local coalitions and numerous organizations attended the BCW Annual Meeting held at the University of Washington. Topics included; Washington State and national breastfeeding promotion activities, conference planning, BCW Guidelines update, lactation education for physicians, lactation reimbursements issues and networking.

Highlights: Two issues of Breastfeeding Matters, were published.

  • Nearly 700 copies of “Working and Breastfeeding: It’s Worth it!” were distributed. The Spanish version of the packet was completed and on available on the website.
  • BCW Guidelines were updated and distributed to Steering Committee members.
  • The BCW providing commentary to newspapers and radio programs through out the state and participating in a national conference call with organizers of the National Breastfeeding Media Campaign.
  • The BCW co-facilitated the breastfeeding breakout session at the launch of the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan. One of the Plan’s focal points is to, “increase the proportion of mothers who breastfeed their infants and toddlers.”
  • “Breastfeeding in a Globalized World” was the theme for WBW. To celebrate breastfeeding in a globalized world, advocates were encouraged to ‘act locally and think globally!’  The BCW helped distribute free breastfeeding promotional items to local coalitions who organized a variety of community events including library displays, walks, health fairs, and trainings.
  • The BCW helped convened a group of people interested in addressing the issue of physician education of breastfeeding. This group has decided to target physicians at two King County hospitals that are interested in becoming “Baby Friendly” as these physicians are likely to be more receptive to the information.
  • The fourth annual “Outstanding Employer Award” was presented to Davita, Inc (Tacoma, WA) Lisa DiGiorgio, RD, MPH, WIC administrator for Public Health Seattle-King County and member of the King County Breastfeeding Coalition received the Nancy Danoff, MD Spirit of Service Award.

2004

Western Co-chair: Maryann O’Hara, MD Eastern Co-chair: Joan Danison, RD, IBCLC

Program Coordinator: Kimberly Radtke
Twenty-three local coalitions; 1,500 individual members.

September 23: Over 30 breastfeeding advocates, representing a majority of local coalitions and several allied organizations, attended the statewide meeting, held in Spokane, WA for the first time. The meeting covered Washington State and national breastfeeding promotion activities, BCW goals for 2005, an update on toxins in breastmilk, and the showing of a documentary about breasts created by a member of the Moses Lake Breastfeeding Coalition. The BCW also announced the creation of the MaryAnn O’Hara, MD Award, which will be presented to medical students, residents and physicians who work to further the acceptance and promotion of breastfeeding. Annual Meeting evaluations were very positive.

Highlights: Two BCW awards were presented at the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies’ Making Connections for Health luncheon. Western Steering Committee member, Molly Pessl, RN, IBCLC of Evergreen Perinatal Education received the Nancy Danoff, MD Spirit of Service Award; and Madigan Army Medical Center and Ft. Lewis of Tacoma, WA received the 2004 Outstanding Employer Award.  The Program Coordinator assisted with the planning for the luncheon and an accompanying community evening presentation. Sandra Steingraber, PhD was the keynote for both events, and spoke about toxins in the environment, specifically in breastmilk.

  • “Exclusive Breastfeeding: The Gold Standard, Safe, Sound, Sustainable” was the theme for the WBW. The goal was to stimulate activity worldwide to increase the understanding of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for six months and to enable mothers to achieve this goal. The BCW helped distribute free breastfeeding promotional items to local coalitions who organized a variety of community events including library displays, walks, health fairs, and trainings.
  • Evidence-based research and education was provided to over 100 healthcare providers at King County clinics and hospitals.  Two local breastfeeding experts, Nancy Danoff, M.D. and MaryAnn O’Hara, MD provided six hour-long lunch-time presentations. Task Force members met regularly to refine the breastfeeding curriculum, complete Steps to a Healthier US grant requirements, and to assist Swedish Medical Center to establish an internal Task Force.
  • Breastfeeding Matters, the newsletter of the BCW, was published three times during 2004. Fifteen hundred copies of the spring and summer issue were printed and distributed to the BCW membership at conferences, and through the local coalitions. The winter edition was the first issue to be sent electronically.
  • Distribution of the English and Spanish Working & Breastfeeding packets increased during the later half of the year as 1000 English and 500 Spanish copies of the revised version were printed. The revised version includes a new section on breastpumps and milk supply. As awareness increases among businesses, more employers are requesting this information. As indicated above, the HMHB website has become a popular venue for the distribution of this information.
  • The BCW worked with DOH staff to plan for the launch of the National Breastfeeding Media Campaign including drafting talking points for Washington State. A meeting was also held with a representative from the Ad Council to discuss strategies for airing the campaign in Washington. After the television show 20/20 aired a segment about the campaign controversy, a meeting with Dr. Carden Johnston, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics was held at Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies. Ten members of the BCW met with Dr. Johnston to discuss the National Media Campaign, and physician knowledge and education of breastfeeding.
  • Media highlights included press about: breastfeeding reduces obesity; flame retardants found in breastmilk; Fort Lewis as Outstanding Employer; Washington State achieves Healthy People 2010 breastfeeding goals; and World Breastfeeding Week.
  • On April 6th, a day-long meeting was held in conjunction with the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Meeting in SeaTac.  Forty participants from around the state gathered to learn about successful strategies for implementing breastfeeding policies and practices.  Evaluations were positive, and there have been continued requests for additional copies of the notebook distributed at the meeting, “Implementing Policies & Practices Supportive of Breastfeeding – A Compilation of Best Practices.”  Throughout the year, technical support was provided to the Moses Lake Breastfeeding Coalition to help them achieve breastfeeding policy and systems change in the Moses Lake Community.

2005

Western Co-chair: Maryann O’Hara, MD Eastern Co-chair: Joan Pfeiffer (Danison), RD, IBCLC

Program Coordinator: Kimberly Radtke
Twenty-three local coalitions;

October 7: Nearly 30 breastfeeding advocates representing 15 out of 21 local coalitions and several allied organizations attended this statewide meeting, held in Tukwila, WA. The Annual Meeting covered Washington State and national breastfeeding promotion activities, an update on breastfeeding resources and materials, and a slideshow in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the BCW, which highlighted the activities, and accomplishments of the coalition since its inception in 1995. Meeting participants heard from several guest speakers. 

Highlights: Three BCW awards were presented at the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies’ Making Connections for Health luncheon in May. Long time breastfeeding advocate, Helen Baker, MD received the Nancy Danoff, MD Sprit of Service Award; Russell Investment Group of Tacoma, WA received the Outstanding Employer Award; and MaryAnn O’Hara accepted an award established in her honor. The MaryAnn O’Hara, MD Commitment to Health Award recognizes and honors a medical student, resident or physician whose leadership and courage reflects a commitment to breastfeeding as a vital part of the health and development of children and their families. Awardees will demonstrate exemplary commitment to maternal and child health through advocacy of breastfeeding and support in the community and within the medical profession.

  • The WBW theme, “Breastfeeding & Family Foods: Loving and Healthy,” was aimed at drawing attention to the value of continuing to breastfeed children to 2 years or beyond, and raising awareness about the risk and costs of introducing other foods and drinks to breastfed babies before six months. The BCW helped distribute free breastfeeding promotional items to local coalitions who organized a variety of community events including library displays, walks, health fairs, and trainings.
  • The Physician Lactation Education Collaborative met regularly in 2005 and gained new representatives from community health clinics. The Collaborative received a Steps Mini Grant of nearly $8,000 from Public Health, Seattle & King County for the development of ten lactation education modules.
  • Three issues of Breastfeeding Matters, were published and sent electronically.
  • The BCW home page averaged 136 visitors a month during 2005. The home page for the Working & Breastfeeding packet was viewed over 1,700 times. Information about the local coalitions was viewed an average of almost 150 times a month.  People were directed to the website over 1,500 times by a variety of search engines when searching for words related to breastfeeding such as, “breastmilk storage,” “breastfeeding coalition,” etc. and nearly 500 times when searching for Spanish words related to breastfeeding such as, “sacaleches,” (breastpump) or “lactancia.”
  • Breastfeeding Babies Best Start was translated into Russian and Vietnamese and is available electronically on the website.
  • A work group of community members was convened and over the course of several months, researched resources, laws and regulations relating to breastfeeding and harassment/discrimination. The result was detailed information on the HMHB website such as, local, state and federal legislation, including Family Law (divorce/separation), and jury duty, links to resources, and steps to consider if experiencing harassment while breastfeeding.
  • HMHB and BCW received a $5,000 grant from the Toxic Free Legacy Coalition (TFLC) to develop resources about toxins in breastmilk (specifically PBDE’s). The resulting brochure, “Breastmilk, protection for your baby” emphasizes that the health risks associated with not breastfeeding are greater than the risk of exposure to toxins via breastmilk and provides information about how to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. The brochure is written at a 7th grade reading level and is available in English and Spanish. 
  • Media highlights included the radio spots; “Doctors Urged to Promote Breastfeeding,” in response to the revised AAP Statement on Breastfeeding; “Rocket Fuel Found in Women’s Breastmilk;” “Mother’s Milk Makes a Big Difference; Dads More Supportive, Too;” “Toxics Found in WA Breastmilk Shouldn't Discourage Breastfeeding;”  “Lowering Health Care Costs Through Prevention, Breastfeeding;” “A Help to Nursing Mothers at Work;” (about Russell Investment Group receiving the BCW Outstanding Employer Award) and “SIDS Research Questioned by WA Experts.”
  • BCW continues to provide technical support to the Moses Lake Breastfeeding Coalition (MLBFC). The MLBFC organized a variety of activities to promote breastfeeding and affect policy change.

2006

Western Co-chair: Maryann O’Hara, MD Eastern Co-chair: Joan Pfeiffer, RD, IBCLC

Program Coordinator: Kimberly Radtke
Twenty-three local coalitions;

September 30: Nearly 30 breastfeeding advocates representing 15 out of 21 local coalitions and several allied organizations attended the Annual Meeting, held in Shoreline.  The Annual Meeting covered state and national breastfeeding promotion activities; outcome based evaluation and lactation reimbursement efforts. Meeting participants heard from several speakers including; MerrieLynn Rice, RN, IBCLC recipient of the 2006 Nancy Danoff, MD, Spirit of Service Award, Hallie Goertz, MPH, from Organizational Research Services, Amelia Psmythe, Executive Director of the Nursing Mother’s Counsel of Oregon and Tracy Corey, RN, IBCLC, owner of Optimal Wellness.

Highlights: Three BCW awards were presented at the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies’ Making Connections for Health luncheon in May. Western Steering Committee member, MerrieLynn Rice, RN, IBCLC, Coordinator of the Pierce County Breastfeeding Alliance, received the Nancy Danoff, MD, Spirit of Service Award; Jay Fathi, MD, Chief of Family Medicine at Swedish Medical Center, staff physician at the 45th Street Community Health Clinic, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine in the University of Washington Family Medicine Network received the MaryAnn O’Hara, MD, Commitment to Health Award. The University of Washington was presented with the Outstanding Employer Award.

  • HMHB announced its name change to, ‘WithinReach,’ essential resources for family health.
  • The WBW theme, “Code Watch: 25 Years of Protecting Breastfeeding”, was aimed at drawing attention to the world wide progress during the last several decades to protect and promote breastfeeding. The BCW helped distribute free breastfeeding promotional items to local coalitions who organized a variety of community events including library displays, walks, health fairs, and trainings.
  • The Physician Lactation Education Collaborative met regularly in 2006. Seven out of ten modules are complete. These were tested in King and Spokane Counties. The Collaborative received $2500 from the Office of Women’s Health Region X.
  • Breastfeeding Matters, the newsletter of the BCW, was published three times during 2006. All issues were distributed electronically. Several hundred copies of each newsletter are printed for conferences. As traffic to the BCW website increases, more requests to be added to the mailing list are coming from out of state as people learn about the work and activities of the BCW.
  • The Spanish Baby’s Best Start Counter Card was updated and reprinted.
  • “Power Failure and Expressed Frozen Breastmilk” was written to help ensure consistent messaging and to assist the IRS and lactation professionals throughout the state with questions from the public during widespread power outages.
  • Six BCW members were among the 250 attendees at the first National Conference of State Breastfeeding Coalitions in Alexandria, VA. The Washington Department of Health, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator and the BCW Program Coordinator presented.
  • In October and December, the BCW participated in the first two national conference calls of State Breastfeeding Coalitions. For the December call, the topic was “Developing a State Breastfeeding Coalition.” The Coordinator presented with Amelia Psmythe and Kristin Sasseen from Oregon.
  • Media highlights included the radio spot, ‘Having a Baby? Head to Seattle’ which was picked up by Clear Channel and sent to over 460 talk radio stations across the country and aired on 38 local radio stations. The BCW assisted with several newspaper articles including a front page article in the Life section of the Tacoma News Tribune about nursing in public. Jodi Cantor (New York Times) wrote an article about working and breastfeeding entitled, On the Job, Nursing Mothers Find a 2-class System. The BCW provided extensive background information about worksite support including contact information for several mothers with varied experiences. 
  • The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) requested the BCW participate on a panel regarding, “Discrimination Against Women in the Workplace.”

2007

Western Co-chair: Maryann O’Hara, MD Eastern Co-chair: Anne Montgomery, MD, IBCLC

Program Coordinator: Kimberly Radtke
Twenty-three local coalitions;

September 17th & 18th: The BCW Annual Meeting was held in Wenatchee. Over 30 people representing more than half the local coalitions and other allied organizations attended. The meeting covered state and national breastfeeding promotion activities; Early Head Start / Head Start breastfeeding education mandates; legislative update and tips for talking with elected officials; details about Blue Bird Inc., the 2007 Outstanding Employer Award Recipient and a tour of their Wenatchee plant. 

Highlights: Three BCW awards were presented at the WithinReach, Making Connections for Health luncheon in May. Ginna Wall, MN, RN, IBCLC, Coordinator of Lactation Services at the University of Washington Medical Center, received the Nancy Danoff, MD, Spirit of Service Award; Anne Montgomery, MD, FAAFP, FAMB, IBCLC MD, received the MaryAnn O’Hara, MD, Commitment to Health Award.  Blue Bird Inc., of Wenatchee, Washington was presented with the Outstanding Employer Award.

Back to top