It all started with a conversation…

In March of 2018, at a meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Anita Esquerra-Zwiers and Becky Antaya, not knowing of each other, happen to sit side by side. After realizing they both were from the Holland/Zeeland area and wanted to support breastfeeding, knowing there was a need for a breastfeeding coalition, a friendship was born.

One year later, on March 1, 2019, Breastfeeding Advocates of Ottawa County was formed. Our mission, to create a supportive breastfeeding culture in the greater Ottawa County area by providing education, advocacy, resources, and community connection. Soon thereafter, grant funding was made available providing funds to make Breastfeeding Advocates of Ottawa County a non-profit, 501c3, organization. 

Then it happened…the covid-19 pandemic. As much as it changed the world, it also impacted BAOC. The pandemic forced our newfound supporters to be only reachable by internet, and thereby harder to further our mission in the field. Our hopes to encourage parents and professionals at local events was then eliminated. Creativity and networking through monthly, virtual format was our only hope of continuity.  

Fast forward to 2025 and a dream was reignited by a conversation with a new breastfeeding supporter. The dream… to have an organization that provides a lactation culture that supports accessible, affordable, and inclusive care for every family through education, advocacy, research, and connection. 

Our dream is to be a hub for skilled lactation care. A place to find community connection surrounding breastfeeding. A resource for advocacy and education for lactation. A future site for lactation research. And a place for professional growth and development. Come and see what we can do!!!