Our History


In July 2001, the Department of of Public Health convened representatives from local health departments, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC), American Academy of Pediatrics, hospitals, community health centers, La Leche League of Connecticut, lactation consultants, nurses, nutritionists, parent educators, consumers, and formed the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition (CBC) to promote and support breastfeeding as the norm for infant and child feeding in Connecticut.

Surgeon General's Call to Action

Previous CBC accomplishments 
Our Goals
• To assure access to comprehensive, current, and culturally appropriate lactation care and service for all women,children and families. 

• To ensure that breastfeeding is recognized as the normal and preferred method of feeding infants and young children. 

• To ensure that all Federal, State, and local laws relating to child welfare and family law recognize and support the importance and practice of breastfeeding. 
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• To increase protection, promotion, and support for breastfeeding mothers in the workforce

Who We Are

CBC welcomes a diverse board and membership. We encourage those who are interested in serving on the board to contact us for more information. As a member you have the opportunity to serve on a committee of your choosing. Join Today!

Our Board & Officers

Monica Belyea
MPH,RD
CBC Board Chair
Jennifer Schindler-Ruwisch, PhD
​CBC Secretary 
Marilyn Lonczak
MEd, RD, CLC,
​Public Health Infrastructure Committee Chair​
Francie Penny
Research & Surveillance Committee Chair
Brianna Chaput
​Mothers & Families Committee Co-Chair
Rachel Jackson

​Membership
Lisa MacLeod
Mothers & Families Committee Co-Chair
Michele Vancour
PhD, MPH
CBC Past Co-Chair​
Chris Chase
ASA, MAAA
​CBC Treasurer
Megan Jalbert
Communications

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Kathy Mason
MA, RNC, IBCLC
​Healthcare Committee Chair​
Monika Costa
MSN, RN, IBCLC
Communities Committee Chair
Chandra Kelsey
MPH
​CBC Past Co-Chair
Jacqui Penda
Employment Committee Chair