Meet COBA's New Executive Director!
Heidi Russell, COBA Executive Director
The Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates (COBA) is pleased to welcome Heidi Russell as its first-ever Executive Director. Heidi comes to COBA with more than 25 years experience as a nonprofit development and communications professional with a wide range of healthcare knowledge. She brings a passion for programs and services focused on improving outcomes for Oklahoma’s children and families. A graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City, Russell holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma and has previously served in an executive leadership capacity. Read more about Heidi here!
COBA UpdatesCOBA firmly stands against all forms of oppression, and will continue to collaborate, partner, and engage to fully support families across life stages so our children can grow, develop and lead productive and healthy lives, free from violence and racism. Read COBA's full Statement on Racial Injustice.
Have you seen the latest Breastfeeding Support Fact Sheet from the Oklahoma State Department of Health? Check it out here: Breastfeeding Support Fact Sheet COBA is now sending monthly newsletters! Check out the September 2020 Newsletter here. This month's edition celebrates National Breastfeeding Month, which kicks off with World Breastfeeding Week followed by Native Breastfeeding Week and finishes up with Black Breastfeeding Week. Celebrate Many Voices United!! Oklahoma has 10 Baby-Friendly designated hospitals! At this time almost 32% of Oklahoma babies are born in a Baby-Friendly hospital - well above the national average of 28%. To learn more about Baby-Friendly and see a full list of designated hospitals in Oklahoma, click here.
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The United States Lactation Consultant Association has developed some helpful infographics regarding breastfeeding through COVID-19 as well as a shared decision-making document. According to a recently released clinical guidance statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, families can now be informed that evidence to date suggests that the risk of the newborn acquiring COVID-19 infection during the birth hospitalization is low when precautions are taken to protect newborns from maternal infectious respiratory secretions. This risk appears to be no greater if mother and infant room-in together using infection control measures compared to physical separation of the infant in a room separate from the mother. The current AAP guidelines encourage keeping mothers and babies together. 
"Making Breastfeeding Easier" & "Breastfeeding Basics and Beyond" Training: Free one-day and two-day classes for health care providers held in Oklahoma City, provided by the Oklahoma Breastfeeding Resource Center (OBRC) with funding from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Check the OBRC Training Page to register.
Interested in hosting a class at your location? Contact OBRC at OBRC@ouhsc.edu. Page last updated 8/17/2020 by CAC.
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