Who We Are

A coalition of healthcare professionals, advocates, and families united by one mission — making breastfeeding the cultural norm across Maryland.

Mother and baby bonding

Our Story

Founded in 2002 by a dedicated group of healthcare professionals, lactation consultants, and community advocates, the Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition was built on a simple but powerful belief: that every family in Maryland deserves the support and resources they need to succeed in their breastfeeding journey.

Over more than two decades, we've grown from a small coalition into a statewide network spanning hospitals, WIC programs, private practices, universities, and community organizations. Our strength lies in our diversity — we bring together physicians, nurses, IBCLCs, doulas, dietitians, public health professionals, parents, and policymakers, all working toward the same goal.

We are proud to be a member coalition of the United States Breastfeeding Committee, amplifying our advocacy at the national level.

Our Core Values

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Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to centering the voices and needs of underrepresented communities in all that we do, including through our IBCLC scholarship program for people of color.

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Evidence-Based Practice

Our recommendations and advocacy are grounded in the latest science. We work closely with researchers, clinicians, and public health leaders to stay current.

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Community & Collaboration

We believe that lasting change happens through partnership. We work alongside families, healthcare systems, employers, and policymakers to build lasting support.

Member of the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee

As a member coalition, we contribute to national breastfeeding advocacy and help implement the Business Case for Breastfeeding and other USBC initiatives in Maryland.

Meet the Board of Directors

Our board brings together decades of expertise in lactation, nursing, public health, medicine, and community advocacy.

Officers
Kimberly S. Myers

Kimberly S. Myers

President

M.A.Ed, ICCE, IBCLC · 20+ years in maternal child health · Owner, Pregnancy Concepts LLC

Marilyn Berchie-Gialamas

Marilyn Berchie-Gialamas

Vice President

CRNP, NP-C, CBS · Executive Director, Trinity Maternal Wellness · Nurse Educator, Morgan State University

Melanie Tarr

Melanie Tarr

Treasurer

BS, IBCLC, RLC, CAHPE · CEO, Successfully Nurtured Collective · MBC member since 2015

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Secretary

Secretary — Position Open

We are currently seeking a dedicated Secretary to join our leadership team. Reach out if you're interested.

Board Directors
Danya Benton

Danya Benton

Webmaster

RN, IBCLC · Registered Nurse since 2006, IBCLC since 2011 · Former WIC Coordinator, Eastern Shore

Whitney N. Dula

Whitney N. Dula

Scholarship & Social Media Chair

IBCLC, PMH-C, CPST · Owner, The Mama's Doula LLC · Former MBC President · USBC Delegate

Vicki Norton

Vicki Norton

Lactation Consultant Representative

BSN, RN, IBCLC · 30+ years experience · Lead Lactation Consultant, Frederick Health Hospital

Tannyka Coleman

Tannyka Coleman

Healthcare Representative

BSN, RN, IBCLC · Clinical Nurse II, UMMC · Consulting Educator, Baltimore Healthy Start · Adjunct Faculty, Coppin State

Amy Resnik

Amy Resnik

WIC Representative & Scholarship Committee

MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC · Founding MBC Member · Maryland WIC Program · Former MBC President

Dawn Smith

Dawn Smith

Member at Large

CD(DONA), CLC · Birth Doula, New Dawn Doula Services · MBC Board Member since 2022

Jamie Sibel

Jamie Sibel

Member at Large

MD, MPH · Preventive Medicine Physician · Local Public Health · Breastfed two children for 5+ years

Jane J. Balkman

Jane J. Balkman

Member at Large

PhD., APRN, CPNP, IBCLC · Professor, Notre Dame of Maryland University · 20+ years workplace lactation

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Kylan Kelly

Western Maryland Representative

RN · Community Health Nurse II, Allegany County Health Dept. · WIC CPA · Nursing Preceptor, Frostburg State

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Carol Leonard

Eastern Shore Representative

Bio coming soon.

Interested in Joining the Coalition?

Whether you're a healthcare professional, an advocate, or a breastfeeding parent, there's a place for you in the Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition.