DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING BREASTFEEDING COLLECTIVE

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Collective (DHHBC) is breaking down barriers to breastfeeding support by ensuring Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) families have access to education, resources, and community, because language access matters from birth.

Founded by Liza Mercado, MSW; Dr. Niesha Washington-Shepard, Ed.D; Yazmin Palmer-Williams; Helen Perea, CLC; Marsallay L. Spicer, PhD, MFA; and Mudiwah Kadeshe, RN, MSN, IBCLC, LNC, DHHBC is creating more accessible and inclusive lactation support for D/HH communities. DHHBC is now a group of 11, after adding 6 new members since last year.

In partnership with the DC Breastfeeding Coalition, DHHBC established the first Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week in 2025, creating an annual opportunity to celebrate D/HH breastfeeding families and increase visibility for their experiences.

Beyond Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week, DHHBC serves as a hub for accessible information and resources, shares art celebrating D/HH breastfeeding experiences, and works to strengthen representation within the lactation field. Most recently, DHHBC partnered with Lactation Education Resources and Parenthood Encompassed to offer seven fully paid Lactation Consultant Training Program scholarships for aspiring D/HH lactation consultants.

This year’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week theme, “Close the Gap, Strengthen the Bridge: Community, Care & Connection,” reflects DHHBC’s commitment to expanding access and building a stronger network of care for D/HH families nationwide.

In honor of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week (September 16–22), CHEER celebrates the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Collective as our CHAMPion of the Week for advancing language access, lactation equity, and community-centered support.