PORTLAND AREA BREASTFEEDING COALITION

"Recognizing the importance of breast milk for optimal health, it is the mission of the Portland Area Breastfeeding Coalition to promote a public environment that protects and supports a family’s commitment to breastfeed."

Nursing Mothers Counsel of Oregon coordinates the Portland Area Breastfeeding Coalition (PABC) with the intention of facilitating continuity of breastfeeding care across the Portland Metro area.  By working together, we can realize the dream of never having to say “no” to a mother who needs help.

PABC meets monthly, on “third Thursday” mornings every month, except quarterly meetings, which occur in the evening.  To join the PABC listserve for meeting minutes and breastfeeding news, or for further information on meeting times and locations, write to amelia@nursingmotherscounsel.org.  Please join us!

History:

Nursing Mothers Counsel of Oregon originally founded the Portland Area Breastfeeding Coalition (PABC) in June 2003, as an advisory board to oversee a grant from the DHHS Office on Women’s Health to locally support and promote the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign.  Once area lactation consultants and community organizations were at the table, it was clear there was a will for greater collaboration; PABC was born.

In March 2005, NMC was awarded a grant from the Oregon Office of Family Health to continue the coordination of this vibrant local coalition.  These funds are scheduled to last through November 2007.

PABC is governed by a five-member Board of Directors.  The membership includes representatives from area hospitals, community organizations, government agencies, employers and parents.

Key PABC projects have included annual World Breastfeeding Week events (generally first week in August), research on development of a NW Region Community Based human milk bank, support for SB618: workplace accommodation for breastfeeding mothers, continuing education opportunities, forum for sharing work and announcements of membership.