Who are we?

The Athens CBC is a non-profit 501(c)(3). We are a group of professionals, parents, and community supporters who work to support families with nursing, pumping, and feeding their babies.

What do we do?

We meet quarterly to discuss issues that impact breastfeeding in our communities, as well as share resources, information, and research.

Who can join?

We welcome IBCLCs, public health officials and advocates, peer counselors and supporters, doulas, midwives, nurses, dietitians, nutritionists, academics, infant feeding specialists/SLP/OT, health care providers, parents, and local business leaders.

All are welcome!

Executive Committee

  • Susan Bell, RD, IBCLC

    President

    Susan Bell is a registered and licensed dietitian in the state of Georgia and an Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. She began her dietetics career in Public Health in the Athens region and working with families and babies piqued her interest in lactation. After working in Public Health for 13 years, she turned her attention to another interest, educating other medical professionals on the effectiveness of utilizing Motivational Interviewing in practice. She's been working almost a decade on the Obesity Prevention Team at a children's hospital where she provides MI training (and additional trainings) on a regular basis in addition to supporting additional projects and work within the team. 

  • Cathy Wilkinson

    Treasurer

    I serve as Treasurer for the Community Breastfeeding Coalition - a board on which I’ve served over the past decade. I stand behind our cause and know the importance of the impact it makes in our community. I work at DPH, in the Child Health office, as the EHDI Coordinator, Outreach person, and Interpreter. I have also worked at St. Mary's hospital & Outpatient Rehab Ctr. and at GA PINES as an Interpreter and Early Intervention Specialist. 

    I have more than a decade of experience with fundraising for missions trips and women's events. I have raised thousands of dollars throughout the years for church and non-profits that I'm on boards with. I currently serve on the BrightPaths Advisory Committee and Local Interagency Community Council. Years ago, I served on the Clarke County Board. I assist my boss and DPH with the Reach Out and Read program and host monthly car seat installation trainings at the health department where we also give away car seats to qualified families. I love Athens and am very passionate about children and setting them up for success at the earliest age possible & also supporting families, especially within the Hispanic community, because they are usually unaware of available resources.

  • Kate DeWolf, IBCLC

    Secretary

    Kate is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice in Athens, GA. She is the co-owner of AthensBorn Birth Services, which serves families in Athens and the surrounding counties. She has been involved with the Athens Breastfeeding Coalition for 15 years and is thrilled to see it still going strong!

Our history

The Athens Breastfeeding Coalition began in the early 1990s as a collaboration between public health, local hospitals and members of the community who came together to raise awareness about choosing human milk as the preferred nutrition for infants. The mission was to promote, protect and serve families, businesses and community partners in the Athens area, including the 10-county Public Health region surrounding Athens. Since its inception, The Athens Breastfeeding Coalition has offered numerous educational opportunities to medical professionals, as well as hosted events such as the Athens and Maternity & Baby Fair and Breastfeeding in the Park. In addition, the CBC has assisted businesses in providing pumps to parents in need, and participated in data collection as a partnership with those in academia. 

The coalition historically partnered with other breastfeeding coalitions across the state, especially those bordering our region to encourage continuity of messaging and communication between lactation professionals. 

We look forward to continuing to be an active and supportive part of the Athens community and the surrounding area for another 30 years!