Our History

Founded in 1990 as the Breastfeeding Promotion Council of Hawaiʻi, our journey began as a grassroots journal club created by and for lactation consultants. Today, Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the state affiliate of the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). We continue to advocate for families and professionals statewide.

Our Mission

To protect, promote, and support breastfeeding through education and collaboration with maternal-child health professionals, and to serve as a breastfeeding advocate across Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Our Vision

A Hawaiʻi where breastfeeding is embraced as the optimal and natural way to nourish and nurture every child.

Mahalo to Former Members

“I ulu no ka lālā i ke kumu”
The branches grow because of the tree.

Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi would like to first mahalo all those who came before us who have served on the board and in any voluntary capacity. You have been passionate trail blazers in all areas of breastfeeding support and promotion such as advocacy, education, event planning, translation, hospital initiatives, mobilization for change and so much more. Mahalo nui loa for your service and dedication to our  communities and ohana across our paeʻāina.

In Memoriam: Dr. Sylvia Pager

A passionate protector, promoter, and supporter of breastfeeding families in Hawaii

  • She was the first International Board Certified Lactation Consultant physician in our state and a founding mother and board member of Breastfeeding Hawaii. She served on the Breastfeeding Hawaii board until her passing, and had previously served concurrently on the board of Hawaii Mothers’ Milk. She was also a Fellow of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

    She was the first International Board Certified Lactation Consultant physician in our state and a founding mother and board member of Breastfeeding Hawaii. She served on the Breastfeeding Hawaii board until her passing, and had previously served concurrently on the board of Hawaii Mothers’ Milk. She was also a Fellow of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics.