KARA D. NAPIER

Kara D. Napier, RD, LD, is a passionate advocate for maternal and child health and a dedicated leader in breastfeeding support. As the West Virginia WIC State Breastfeeding Coordinator, Kara oversees the state’s breastfeeding program and partners with seven WV CHAMPS National hospitals to advance evidence-based, family-centered maternity care.

A Registered Dietitian since 2009, Kara’s journey into lactation support was shaped by her own experience as a breastfeeding mother. After spending three years at home with her son, she returned to the workforce with a renewed purpose and a profound appreciation for the life-giving power of human milk. This personal connection continues to inspire her mission to empower families across West Virginia with knowledge, confidence, and compassionate support.

In her current role, Kara has made significant strides in strengthening breastfeeding services statewide. One of her proudest accomplishments has been replacing decades-old multi-user breast pumps with new, efficient models, dramatically improving access to breastfeeding resources for families. She has also worked tirelessly to uplift local Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, ensuring they feel valued, supported, and reenergized in their vital roles serving communities across the state.

Kara’s leadership is grounded in optimism, empathy, and a steadfast belief in the potential for growth in Appalachia. “As West Virginia is historically the state with the lowest breastfeeding rates, I choose to see possibility and growth, not the challenges of breastfeeding in Appalachia,” she shares. “Each new baby deserves to have a mother who is given basic, accurate, and relatable breastfeeding education in the prenatal period. For that mother to understand that her body has the ability to create amazing nutrition unique to her baby, boosting her confidence to feel that she is enough.”

CHEER is proud to honor Kara D. Napier as our CHAMPion of the Week for her inspiring leadership, her advocacy for equitable breastfeeding support, and her unwavering dedication to helping West Virginia families thrive.