In a little more than 3 years, Breastfeeding USA went from an idea to an incorporated entity which – thanks to the work and financial support of breastfeeding advocates across the country – has trained Breastfeeding Counselors to deliver our mission. Below are some key events in the history of the organization.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September, 2008 | Several current and former La Leche League Leaders begin discussing their desire to create a national breastfeeding support organization |
| Summer, 2010 | Final work begins towards incorporation of the organization: defining mission statement; selecting initial members of the Board of Directors; drafting organizational documents |
| November 17, 2010 | Breastfeeding USA, Inc. is incorporated in the state of New York: Original Bylaws |
| December 10, 2010 | Breastfeeding USA Facebook page launched marking public announcement of organization |
| December 14, 2010 | Breastfeeding USA website launched |
| December 2010 through January 2011 | 145 individuals become Founding Members of Breastfeeding USA in the first weeks after public launch |
| February, 2011 | First issue of Horizons was published |
| March, 2011 | Launched BC accreditation program; first Breastfeeding Counselor applications accepted |
| May 17, 2011 | First Breastfeeding Counselors were accredited |
| June 10, 2011 | First Community Chapter meeting was held in Pinole, CA |
| June 30, 2011 | Breastfeeding USA closes first fiscal year and receives 501(c )(3) non-profit status designation from the Internal Revenue Service |
| July, 2011 | Breastfeeding USA hosts exhibit table and reception at ILCA Conference in San Diego |
| October, 2011 | Held first Voting Member election of Board of Directors |
| November, 2011 | Breastfeeding USA files first Form 990 Annual Financial Report with IRS |
| December 6, 2011 | The Board of Directors hosted the first Voting Members’ Annual Meeting |
| June 1-3, 2012 | Breastfeeding USA hosts first face-to-face meeting of the Board of Directors, along with voting member and general interest get together |
| July-August, 2012 | The Indiegogo crowd sourcing, fundraising campaign garnered over $14,000 gross revenue, and awareness of Breastfeeding USA. |
| March 2013 | The Comprehensive Course was completed and all modules were open to BC Candidates. |
| July-October 2013 | Breastfeeding USA and Best for Babes teamed up for the Inaugural Fitness and Fundraising Challenge “Team We’ve Got Your Back, Babe!” |
| May 31, 2014 | Facebook reaches 50,000 “Likes” and celebrates with mothers around the country sending in hundreds of breastfeeding photos. |
| June 30, 2014 | The organization purchases a subscription to the R2 Digital Library’s online version of Counseling the Nursing Mother, and the book is now available to all candidates enrolled in the comprehensive course. The Candidate Education Fee increases to $50, making the online library access included at no additional cost to candidates. |
| September 2, 2014 | Twitter reaches 5000 followers. |
| October 2014 | Breastfeeding USA reached 500 members. |
| December 2015 | Breastfeeding USA celebrates its 5th anniversary, and holds a membership drive to boost revenue and awareness. |
| January 2016 | Facebook reaches 150,000 “Likes” |
| January 2017 | Twitter reaches 10,000 followers. |
| June 2017 | Facebook reaches 180,000 “Likes” |
| July 2017 | New website is launched. |
| October 2018 | Board approves a three year Strategic Plan using a Theory of Change concept |
| March 2019 | The entire Comprehensive Course was opened in Learn World, our virtual learning community |
| March 2019 | New organization Bylaws are adopted by the Board of Directors |
| March 2019 | Inside Breastfeeding USA:Volunteer Monthly Newsletter is launched |
| January 2020 | Finance Committee hires a private contractor bookkeeper |
| July 2020 | Breastfeeding USA stands with Black Lives Matter |
| August 2020 | Twitter reaches 14,000 followers |