Breastfeeding Coalitions Across Washington

The Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington (BCW) is made up of approximately 23 local coalitions located through out Washington State. The BCW exists in part to build and link community partners to support, promote and protect breastfeeding, for the larger aim of breastfeeding becoming the cultural norm in Washington.

Making effective community change on a statewide level is dependent on local presence, relevancy, personal relationships, trust and building a track record of meaningful actions. A local breastfeeding coalition and their activities, based on local needs and opportunities, has greater impact when organized and linked across a broader area. These groups adhere to the BCW mission and in addition, may have their own mission and goals addressing specific community needs. The coalitions are organized in different ways as determined by the group. Some coalitions meet monthly, others a few times a year. Please be aware that contact and meeting information are subject to change. The map below allows you to see the locations of the local coalitions. Below the map is a description of each coalition and contact information.

We need dynamic and diverse local breastfeeding coalitions and members to reach our goal. If you know other areas in Washington wanting to start a local coalition or people who would like to join one, please have them contact the BCW at breastfeedingcoalition@withinreachwa.org

Blue Mountain Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	This coalition is currently on sabbatical. Interested persons should contact the BCW.
Activities:
Website:
Contact:	Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington Phone: (206) 281-8032 Fax: breastfeedingcoalition@withinreachwa.org update this information
Breastfeeding Coalition of Snohomish County
Meets:	First Wednesday of each month at 9:00am, Providence Everett Medical Center in Providence Room B, 916 Pacific Avenue, Everett, 98201
Activities:	Maintaining Snohomish County Breastfeeding Resource List, supporting community partners in breastfeeding seminars for local seminars, promotion of World Breastfeeding Week, networking at regular monthly meetings
Website:
About/Mission:	Mission: The Breastfeeding Coalition of Snohomish County is a collaboration of community members and professionals acting to facilitate awareness of breastfeeding as a vital public health issue in Snohomish County.
Contact:	Michele Crockett Phone: Fax: breastfeedingcoalitionsnocty@gmail.com Sydney Costello SHD WIC Program, 3020 Rucker Ave, Suite 100 Everett WA 98201 Phone: (425) 252-5374 Fax: 425-252-5306 update this information
Breastfeeding Committee for Canada
Meets:
Activities:
Website:	http://www.breastfeedingcanada.ca
About/Mission:	To promote, protect and support breastfeeding in Canada as the normal method of infant feeding Website
Contact:	Barbara Selwood Community Perinatal Nurse Co 4500 Oak St Vancouver BC V6H 3N1 Phone: Fax: bselwood@interchange.ubc.ca update this information
Breastfeeding Promotion Coalition of Benton-Franklin Counties
Meets:	As needed, call first.
Activities:	Meetings and writing informational newsletter for Health Care Provider's.
Website:
Contact:	Sheila Schweiger 7102 W. Okanogan Pl. Kennewick WA 99336 Phone: (509) 460-4251 Fax: (509)460-4515 shelias@bfhd.wa.gov update this information
Chelan Valley Coalition
Meets:	This coalition is currently on sabbatical. Interested persons should contact the BCW.
Activities:
Website:
Contact:	Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington Phone: (206) 281-8032 Fax: breastfeedingcoalition@withinreachwa.org update this information
Clark County Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	12pm-1:30pm 1st Monday in Feb, May, Aug & Nov
Activities:	Promote and supportsbreastfeeding through World Breastfeeding Week celebrations, trainings offered to med professionals, WIC breastfeeding peer counselors, library displays, building collaboration and co-operation with all local breastfeeding support personnel; keeping members up to date on breastfeeding news, local resources, training and volunteer opportunities.
Website:	https://www.facebook.com/TheCCBC?sk=wall
Contact:	Fay Bosman Clark County Health Dept. 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd Vancouver 98666 Phone: (360) 635-7307 Fax: (360) 906-8098 fay.bosman@gmail.com update this information
Columbia Gorge Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Meets first Wednesday of every other month.
Activities:	Developing Coalition action plan in early 2011. This will include increasing the number of breastfeeding friendly employers throughout Columbia Gorge communities.
Website:
Contact:	Jennifer McCauley 97031 Phone: 541-387-6344 Fax: jennifer.mccauley@providence.org Ellen Mallon ellen.mallon@co.hood-river.or.us update this information
Grays Harbor Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Monthly at Grays Harbor Community Hospital
Activities:	Working together with our local hospital to make breastfeeding easier for moms. Funded 4 nurses from the hospital to go to training to be IBCLC. Two nurses from the hospital are now offical IBCLC. New Peer Councelor working with Coalition. Yearly walk for World Breastfeeding Week.
Website:
Contact:	Amy Murphy 2109 Sumner Ave. Aberdeen 98520 Phone: (360) 532-8631 Fax: (360)533-6272 amurphy@co.grays-harbor.wa.us Chona Carcellar Phone: (360) 532-8631 ccarcellar@co.grays-harbor.wa update this information
IdaWa Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Once a month, second Thursday
Activities:	Created a Mother Friendly workplace award, sponsor a nursing mothers group, organize conferences.
Website:
Contact:	Linda Rosetti 415 6th Street Lewiston Lewiston ID 83501 Phone: (208) 799-5430 Fax: (208) 799-5357 lmrnurse@cableone.net update this information
Kitsap County Lactation Coalition
Meets:	We are currently meeting 4 times per year, usually during lunch time, in a meeting room provided by Harrison Medical in Silverdale WA
Activities:	Published new resource business card for Kitsap as of summer 2009. Planning for 2010 events, World Breastfeeding Week.
Website:
About/Mission:	To educate, promote, and support breastfeeding to all women in Kitsap County. Our coalition is a mix of providers and interested moms.
Contact:	Melissa Bonghi 897 Taurnic Place NW Bainbridge Island WA 98110 Phone: (206) 780-9488 Fax: debralll@aol.com update this information
Kittitas County Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Meeting schedule will be set during the January 2010 meeting.
Activities:	To be determined at the January 2010 meeting. website:
Website:
About/Mission:	To promote, organize and provide consistent education and information about breastfeeding and its benefits to the residence of Kittitas County
Contact:	Liz Whitaker 521 E. Mountain View Ave Ellensburg WA 98926 Phone: (509) 962-1414 Fax: 509-962-1408 liz.whitaker@commhealthcw.org Debbie Sandvig WIC Program 521 E Mountain View Ave Ellensburg 98926 Phone: (509) 962-7077 Fax: 509-962-1408 debbie.sandvig@commhealthcw.org update this information
Lewis County Lactation Coalition
Meets:	This coalition is currently on sabbatical. Interested persons should contact the BCW.
Activities:
Website:
Contact:	Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington Phone: (206) 281-8032 Fax: breastfeedingcoalition@withinreachwa.org update this information
Moses Lake Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	This coalition is currently on sabbatical. Interested persons should contact the BCW
Activities:
Website:
Contact:	Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington Phone: (206) 281-8032 Fax: breastfeedingcoalition@withinreachwa.org update this information
Northeast Tri-Counties Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:
Activities:	Sponsor activities related to World Breastfeeding Week, select an ongoing yearly project.
Website:
Contact:	Kay Scamahorn, PHN, IBCLC 240 E. Dominion Colville 99114 Phone: (509) 684-5048 Fax: 509-684-9878 kscamahorn@netchd.org WA update this information
Okanogan County Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Meets occasionally, call first.
Activities:	Professional education, county listing of breastfeeding friendly Businesses, creating and developing breastfeeding resource list, organizing breastfeeding support groups, WBW Breastfeeding Promotion Table at local farmers market, staffing a booth at local fair.
Website:
About/Mission:	Promotion of natual feeding, even after returning work!
Contact:	Joan Pfeiffer, RD, IBCLC Family Health Centers, 703 1St Ave. S. Okanogan WA 98840 Phone: (509) 422-3281 Fax: (509) 422-7384 jpfeiffer@myfamilyhealth.org update this information
Pierce County Breastfeeding Alliance
Meets:	3rd Thursday of odd months, 5:30 PM Pierce County Library, Summit Branch Room 1 5107 112th St E Tacoma, Wa 98446
Activities:	Develop and distribute the Pierce County Breastfeeding Resource card, Participate in the Western Washington Spring Fair by providing an area to breastfeed along with an activity for children, Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week by organizing activities such as displays and information tables at WIC offices, hospitals, public libraries in Pierce County, write articles for the local newspapers as well as local newsletters. Provide workplace education and support for return to work breastfeeding women. Provide breastfeeding presentations/education to students in Human Development classes at High Schools. Offer Jo Backus scholarship to Pierce County residents for breastfeeding continuing ed.
Website:	http://www.tpchd.org/health-wellness-1/pregnancy-parenting/pierce-county-breastfeeding-alliance/
About/Mission:	The Pierce County Breastfeeding Alliance is a networking group, committed to seeking out and sharing information among health professionals working with families in their childbearing years. Our goal is a healthy community that is informed and supportive of breastfeeding. The Alliance will accomplish this mission by doing the following: 1. Meeting Bi-monthly from 7:30-9:00 for networking and sharing for those who wish to attend. 1. Educate the community that breastfeeding is the "gold standard", and how they can help encourage breastfeeding women. 1. Impact policies, through Alliance participation, for all health institutions and programs. 1. Network with other lactation organizations, e.g., WALC, La Leche League, WIC, Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington. 1. Serve as a resource for medical professionals.
Contact:	Michelle Kinne Phone: (253) 224-3023 Fax: yabbadabbadoula1@aol.com update this information
Seattle-King County Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Quarterly, call or email for dates
Activities:
Website:	www.breast-friends.org
About/Mission:	The Seattle King County Breastfeeding Coalition (SKCBFC) is a local organization dedicated to supporting breastfeeding as a vital part of the health and development of children and their families. We are comprised of a diverse range of community members. Membership is open to anyone with a passion for breastfeeding who would like to join our efforts in promoting this important health issue. The mission of the Seattle King County Breastfeeding Coalition (SKCBFC) is to act as a communication vehicle to facilitate public awareness of accurate breastfeeding resources and information throughout King County. The coalition provides access to these resources through the collection and dissemination of information from organizations and individuals that actively support and promote breastfeeding.
Contact:	Emily Healy, IBCLC, LLL Leader Greater Seattle WA Phone: (206) 949-3076 Fax: SKCBFC@gmail.com update this information
Skagit County Breastfeeding Network
Meets:	4th Wednesday of each month at the Sager's Restaurant in Mount Vernon.
Activities:	8:00-8:30 am "No Host" Breakfast 8:30 am The meeting is called to order for announcements, educational updates and planning for promotional activities. The meeting is adjourned at 9:30
Website:
Contact:	Tina Abshier RNC, BSN, IBCLC Family Birth Center Skagit Valley Hospital Mount Vernon WA 98273 Phone: (360) 428-2229 Fax: tabshier@skagitvalleyhospital. update this information
South King County Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Bi-monthly, call for details
Activities:	Developed a display board used to promote the South King County Coalition and breastfeeding, prepared and provided educational materials for World Breastfeeding week in a variety of venues.
Website:
About/Mission:	To improve communication and coordination of breastfeeding promotion and support services in the South King County Health
Contact:	Denise Stuart 12917 SE 217th Pl. Kent WA 98031-3947 Phone: 425.391.5070 Fax: milkmam3@hotmail.com Kay Batt 16960 129th Ave. SE Renton WA 98058-6145 Phone: (425) 226-8117 Fax: (425) 226-8117 klbatt1@comcast.net update this information
South Sound Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Meet the first Tuesday of each month from 12:00-1:30 pm at the Thurston County Health Dept., WIC, 412 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98510.
Activities:	In 2009, continuing a Breastfeeding Welcome Here campaign, displaying clings with international symbol at local businesses and schools. Distributing breastfeeding friendly discharge bags for World Breastfeeding Week in August and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Planning to present one or more physician education modules in 2010, in collaboration with local hospitals. Updating our local breastfeeding resource guide for Thurston, Lewis and Mason Counties. Stay tuned for a 2011 breastfeeding conference!
Website:	http://www.southsoundbreastfeeding.org
About/Mission:	We are an enthusiastic and supportive group of LLL leaders, WIC staff, private and hospital-based IBCLCs, midwives, doulas, and mothers who are working to increase awareness, acceptance and knowledge about breastfeeding in the South Sound area.
Contact:	Laura Christian 412 Lilly Rd NE Olympia 98510 Phone: (360) 789-5123 Fax: ljchristian@comcast.net Sarah Huntington Olympia 98506 Phone: (360) 357-3801 sarahmidwife@comcast.net update this information
Spokane County Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Sacred Heart Hospital Lactation Services Meeting are Quarterly (Jan, April,July,Oct) Second Tuesday at 8:00 am
Activities:	Creation and distribution of the Spokane County Breastfeeding Resource guide, participate in World Breastfeeding Week activities and Promotion, promote breastfeeding at the local Family-a-Fair.
Website:
About/Mission:	To improve communication and coordination of breastfeeding promotion and support services in Spokane.
Contact:	Kristine Brewer 10814 E. Broadway Spokane WA 99206 Phone: (509) 323-2806 Fax: kbrewer@spokanecounty.org update this information
Wenatchee Breastfeeding Awareness Coalition
Meets:	Monthly, 504 Orondo, WIC office, Wenatchee.
Activities:	Created a community breastfeeding resource list which is given to all new mothers at the local hospital, organized a breastfeeding in-service program for local doctors, created breastfeeding promotion displays for local health fairs, organized WBW activities such as library displays, proclamations, newspaper articles, bulletin boards, and a breastfeeding promotion booth at Healthy Kids Day, wrote two issues of a breastfeeding promotion newsletter to local health care providers.
Website:
Contact:	Julie Kuchtyn CDHD WIC PO Box 429 East Wenatchee WA 98807 Phone: (509) 886-6415 Fax: Laurie Riegert 504 Orondo, Suite C Wenatchee WA 98801 Phone: (509) 664-3771 Fax: 509-664-6753 lriegert@cvch.org update this information
Whatcom County Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Quarterly, the third Thursday of February, May, August, November
Activities:	Three bus ads that will be ready to be posted on WTA buses by January 1st.
Website:
About/Mission:	The Mission of WCBC is to promote and support breastfeeding in Whatcom county, through a collaboration of community resources and agencies in an effort to increase the incidence and duration of breastfeeding.
Contact:	Jacquelyn Russell Stear, RD, CD 1500 N. State Street Bellingham WA 98226 Phone: (360) 676-6762 Fax: 360-676-6783 JStear@co.whatcom.wa.us update this information
Whidbey Island Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	Third Wednesday of the month, 12:30p-1:30p, Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville, WA
Activities:	Breastfeeding Resource Guide for Whidbey Island, World Breastfeeding Week activities.
Website:
Contact:	Loretta Bezold, RN-PHN, WIBC chair Island County Public Health PO Box 5000 Coupeville WA 98239 Phone: (360) 678-7351 Fax: (360) 679-97347 lorettab@co.island.wa.us Dori Johnson PO Box 5000 Coupeville WA 98239 Phone: (360) 240-5554 Fax: 360-679-6570 islandlady@wavecable.com update this information
Yakima (Upper) Valley Breastfeeding Coalition
Meets:	2nd Thursday of each month from 9 am to 10 am
Activities:
Website:
Contact:	Natividad Mendoza Phone: Fax: nati.mendoza@ynhs.org update this information