Naomi Bar-Yam, ACSW, PhD, has worked in maternal and child health for over 35 years as an educator, researcher, advocate, and writer. Our newest CHAMPion of the Week is a recognized expert on social and institutional policies that support breastfeeding and is thoroughly versed in the technical, proc

Staysha Quentrill, CPM, is a dedicated midwife and passionate advocate for family-centered birth care. With over a decade of experience in birth work, Staysha has supported families in various capacities, including as a doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, midwifery assistant, and childbirth educat

Mona Hanna, MD, MPH, is a pediatrician, scientist, activist, and author dedicated to advancing maternal and child health. Recognized as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and one of USA Today’s Women of the Century, she has played a pivotal role in

Shafia Monroe began championing reproductive justice as a young teen in Boston, MA, after learning about the high infant mortality rate in her community. She responded by founding the non-profit International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC) to create an urban midwife movement for better b

CHEER is celebrating a Mississippi CHAMPS hospital this week: Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center was recently re-designated as Baby-Friendly! Located in Meridian, MS, Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest level of healthcare for their patients. Bapti

Nathalie Adams, LMSW, PMH-C, is a wife, mother of two energetic boys, and a dedicated perinatal social worker at the Waterbury Hospital Family Birthing Center and NICU in Connecticut. Our newest CHAMPion of the Week is deeply committed to supporting families during childbirth and the postpartum peri

Jasmine Hammonds, CBS, CCBE, CPS, LD, is a passionate advocate for maternal and reproductive health, committed to ensuring access to care for all families. Recently recognized as a 2024 USLCA Award Winner working to support breastfeeding families,

Lauren Fruehan, IBCLC, Lactation Services and Perinatal Navigator at Waterbury Hospital, has dedicated over 13 years to supporting infant feeding and maternal health. Her journey into lactation began after a difficult breastfeeding experience with her

Myrtle Robertson and Jessica Mejia are CHEER’s newest CHAMPions of the Week! As dedicated Lactation Consultants at NewYork-Presbyterian/Allen Hospital in New York City, they share a passion for supporting mothers and promoting breastfeeding. Myrtl

Charline Ogbeni, MSEd, IBCLC, Full Spectrum Doula, and PAIL Advocate, is dedicated to educating and empowering birthing families. A proud NICU mom and owner of Supporting Our Mothers Initiative, LLC, Charline blends her personal experience with over 15 year