Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates

06/23/2026

Want to learn more about infant feeding during emergencies? Our Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E) video is a great place to start. It provides a basic introduction to the challenges families face during disasters and why infant feeding support is so important. If you'd like to go beyond the basics, join our Emergency Infant Feeding Support Training. You'll learn practical ways to support families during emergencies and leave feeling more prepared and confident to step in when help is needed most.

This is "Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies" by COBA on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

06/19/2026

Friday, June 19 is Juneteenth, honoring the day in 1865 when troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure that all enslaved people were to be freed. The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863, marked the end of slavery in the US. This was a historic milestone in the fight for freedom but the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas would not learn of their freedom for more than 2 years after its signing. Legislation in 1979 began the formal recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
Unfortunately, emancipation did not assure equality. One hundred sixty years later childbirth disparities exist for Black mothers which have resulted in Black women and infants experiencing higher rates of stillbirth, preterm birth, infant and maternal mortality, and lower rates of breastfeeding initiation. There are many factors impacting these outcomes including differences in quality health care, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias.

On Juneteenth, let us celebrate Freedom Day, but also on this day let us recognize how critical it is for us all to work together and stand up for equitable maternal and child healthcare.

Below is a listing of multi-day Juneteenth celebrations in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas:
https://www.withloveokc.org/juneteenth
https://www.tulsajuneteenth.org/

06/16/2026

Join us for an important Infant & Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E) focused training on protecting the health and safety of infants and families during emergencies.

This training will cover:
• The role of supporting infant feeding in shelters and emergency response
• Safe formula preparation and breastfeeding support in crisis settings
• Coordination with partners like the Oklahoma State Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
• Real-world strategies you can use immediately in the field

Whether you serve in public health, emergency response, healthcare, or community support, this training will equip you with critical, life-saving knowledge.

Space is limited! Don’t wait to register. https://ow.ly/NmRB50Zcnpf

06/15/2026

COBA’s newest video, Supporting Breastfeeding Families in Childcare Facilities is now available!
You can also find this video and apply for your facility to be recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care on the Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care page on COBA's website.

This is "Supporting Breastfeeding Families In Childcare Facilities" by COBA on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

06/11/2026

While COBA has been working quietly behind the scenes with them for many months now, we feel it’s time to let you know about our newest partner. The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps has been instrumental in the development and facilitation of our new Emergency Infant Feeding Support Training.

The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps is a statewide network of medical and non-medical volunteers who support communities before, during, and after public health emergencies and disasters. Members help with emergency response efforts, community health initiatives, vaccination events, preparedness education, and other public health needs across Oklahoma. The MRC welcomes healthcare professionals, public health workers, and community members who simply want to make a difference. By joining and volunteering, you can help strengthen Oklahoma’s emergency preparedness and support the health and safety of your community.

They offer many training and volunteer opportunities throughout the year for members. You can find more information and join their efforts here:
https://www.okmrc.org/

06/10/2026

🌟 Only ONE week left until June’s Nourish & Network! 🌟
COBA Supporting Members are invited to join us for a lunchtime conversation on “Milk Sharing & Donation.” Connect with fellow advocates, learn from experts, and discover how you can make a difference in Oklahoma’s breastfeeding community.

Not a Supporting Member yet? There’s still time to join! Sign up today and be part of the conversation: https://donorbox.org/coalition-of-oklahoma-breastfeeding-advocates-supporting-membership

Let’s nourish, network, and support each other! 💙

06/09/2026

The month of June has been chosen as Pride month in memory of the Stonewall Uprising that took place in June 1969. Within six months of these riots, gay activist organizations were formed that paved the way for newspapers, parades, celebrations, and other organizations that brought support for LGBTQ+ rights to the forefront.

COBA stands with our fellow organizations as an ally in our community, seeking inclusion and equity for all. We acknowledge the rights of all families to be supported through inclusive lactation care, and encourage all lactation providers and supporters to increase their knowledge of induced lactation, and transgender and non-binary breast or chestfeeding. See COBA’s Pride Month Statement for more information and resources.
https://okbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pride-Month-Position-Statement.pdf

06/08/2026

COBA is proud to announce a new partnership with Marie Detty Youth & Family Services in Lawton. Through Choosing Childbirth Grant funding, COBA sponsored the furnishing of a dedicated lactation room in Marie Detty’s new facility, set to open this summer. In addition to furnishings, COBA provided five multi-user breast pumps and breastfeeding resources to help create a supportive space for families. For more than 50 years, Marie Detty has served children, youth, and families across Southwest Oklahoma through counseling, shelter, prevention, and family support services, helping vulnerable individuals and families access compassionate care and critical resources.

06/08/2026

Download the OK BF app today for FREE! The app has all of our services and so much more in one place!!! 📲💜

06/02/2026

Save the date!
The next Emergency Infant Feeding Support Training will be on August 1st in OKC.

Registration link to come soon.