NAOMI BAR-YAM, ACSW, PHD

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, procedural, and ethical aspects of milk banking.

Naomi’s early experience as a social worker and perinatal educator in diverse populations, both in the US and overseas, inspired her special interest in the ethics of access to perinatal health care. That work, and her experience as the mother of two NICU babies, motivated her support for breastfeeding and milk banking. Naomi is the past president of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) and the founder and director emerita of Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast, which provides safe donor milk to hospitals and families across the Northeastern United States.

Naomi is currently a board member and advocacy committee chair for the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition. She also collaborates with the World Health Network on various public and community health initiatives beyond breastfeeding.

Naomi’s deep commitment to maternal and child health is driven by her belief in the power of community, and she continues to advocate for policies and initiatives that support and normalize breastfeeding. She shares, “Providing others with opportunities to use their strengths, knowledge, skills, and voices to help others is what I enjoy most about my work.”

CHEER is inspired by Naomi Bar-Yam’s dedication to advancing milk banking, breastfeeding, and maternal and child health. We are proud to recognize her as our CHAMPion of the Week!