Breastfeeding Made Easier: A Q&A Panel with Statewide Experts

In coordination with the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates (COBA), we have compiled a panel of statewide experts to assist new or expecting parents in their breastfeeding journey. Our experts are going to share information about local resources for families, the benefits of breastfeeding -- and best of all, we're going to answer YOUR questions. If you've ever wondered why your baby won't latch on, how working mothers can breastfeed, or how the father can be involved in the feeding process, then you don't want to miss this discussion!

Our experts for the panel are:

**Cheryl Coleman, RN, BSN, IBCLC (Tulsa)– Retired lactation consultant, who led Hillcrest Medical Center’s Baby-Friendly Designation process

Cheryl is a retired lactation consultant. She has been a registered nurse for over 40 years and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for 10 years. She served as the lead for Hillcrest Medical Center's Baby-Friendly designation.

Prior to working at Hillcrest, Cheryl worked as an Education Specialist and Clinical Nurse Manager at Oklahoma State University Medical Center. She has served as a board member with the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) for 14 years in various capacities, including Director of Public Relations, Secretary, President-Elect and President. She was on the faculty for ICEA Basic Teacher Training and Postnatal Educator Workshops for many years.

Cheryl lives in Verdigris, Oklahoma with husband, Bob. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Cheryl is passionate about Sooner sports, the Chicago Cubs, Oklahoma City Thunder, breastfeeding families, and doing the Happy Breastmilk Dance.
Jaclyn Huxford, BS, IBCLC (Oklahoma City) - Assistant Program Director, Technical Operations, OK Breastfeeding Resource Center

**Amanda Morgan, MPH, RDN, LD, IBCLC (Oklahoma City) - Breastfeeding Education Coordinator, WIC Service, OK State Dept. of Health

Amanda Morgan is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and works as the Breastfeeding Education Coordinator for the Oklahoma State Department of Health WIC Service Program. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and her Master in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Promotions from the University of Oklahoma.

In her current role, Amanda is able to combine her passions for both nutrition and breastfeeding to encourage and support Oklahoma families in providing their children with the best start in life.

**Jaclyn Huxford, BS, IBCLCOBRC Assistant Program Director, Technical Operations

Jaclyn Huxford, IBCLC is a nutritionist and lactation consultant with over 7 years of experience in aiding families in their breastfeeding needs. She is passionate in helping mothers feed their babies while providing sound information and support. Her time working in public health has molded her counseling skills to help families work through any breastfeeding challenges that may arise. Jaclyn has been a moving force with the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline to reach more families with the new texting option for communication.

Jaclyn completed her BS in Nutrition from Texas State University and has worked over the last 10 years in counseling including weight loss, maternal, infant, and child nutrition. Jaclyn seeks new research/studies regarding the benefits of breastfeeding and helping to make more Oklahoma hospitals reach Baby Friendly Designation. She also enjoys any activity outside with her husband, two young daughters, and the family pug.

Hosted by Heidi Russell (Oklahoma City) - Executive Director, Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates (COBA)