About the South Sound Breastfeeding Network

Established in 2000 the South Sound Breastfeeding Network (SSBN) is a nonprofit organization focused on encouraging and prompting breastfeeding in the South Sound region of Washington State. We are a local coalition and a part of the statewide Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington (BCW).

We are made up of volunteers -from medical professionals to parents- who strive to support breastfeeding by providing a positive support network and making accurate and consistent breastfeeding information available to all.

In addition to supporting the BCW's statewide efforts we work to support and educate our own community by proving resources, education, and support to parents, medical professionals, and businesses.

Some of our activities and ongoing efforts include:

Breastfeeding Welcome Here Campaign Medical Professional Breastfeeding Conferences Physician's Education Modules South Sound Breastfeeding Resource Guide World Breastfeeding Week Events

Additionally we have staffed information tables at the Olympia's Farmer's Market, the Thurston County Business expo, and the Thurston County Fair (where we also sponsored a mom's breastfeeding area). Some of our members also speak at local high schools sharing breastfeeding information.

Some of our past efforts include providing breastfeeding gift bags to area hospitals for new moms and breastfeeding books to doctor's offices for their waiting rooms.

If you would like more information, or if you are interested in volunteering or supporting our efforts please contact us at info@southsoundbreastfeeding.org. We welcome interested individuals and organizations that want to help us in our promotion efforts!

SSBN Monthly Meetings

The SSBN meets monthly in Olympia at the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services on Lilly Road and more often as needed when working on specific projects.

You are welcome to join us!

Medical professionals, breastfeeding advocates, and community volunteers are encouraged to attend. You may also join our email list. Please send a request to tambi@cco.net in order to receive meeting minutes and reminders about upcoming events.

SSBN Resource Guide

In our continuing efforts to support and encourage breastfeeding in our local community the SSBN assembles and publishes an updated Breastfeeding Resource Guide annually (or more often as needed) for the South Sound area.

This brochure is available free of charge to medical facilities, businesses, organizations, and parents.

Please feel free to download the PDF of the latest guides for your use or contact Kateri Wimsett at the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services on Lilly Road to arrange to pick up printed copies.

If you offer breastfeeding related services and would like to be listed in the guide, please contact us.

BCW Goals

The goals of the South Sound Breastfeeding Network as a part of the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington are to:

• Protect and promote a public environment supportive and accepting of breastfeeding.
  
  
• Increase the incidence and duration of breastfeeding.
  
  
• Provide up-to-date referral and educational materials to healthcare professionals, organizations and the community at large about breastfeeding.
  
  
• Plan and promote annual World Breastfeeding Week Activities.
  
  
• Promote better communication between and among coalition members and member organizations.
  
  
• Affect policies in workplaces, educational institutions and childcare facilities to support breastfeeding families.
  
  
• Conduct all activities and advocacy in a way that is culturally relevant and sensitive.

For more information on the BCW please visit the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington website.