who is Acadiana breastfeeding Coalition?
Acadiana Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2011.
We represent a seven parish area referred to as "region 4." Region 4 consists of Evangeline, St. Landry, Acadia, Lafayette, Iberia, St. Martin, and Vermilion Parishes.
We are a diverse group of professionals and individuals who are dedicated to protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in Acadiana through community awareness events.
We advocate for breastfeeding support among healthcare providers, facilities, businesses, and families in Acadiana.
We represent a seven parish area referred to as "region 4." Region 4 consists of Evangeline, St. Landry, Acadia, Lafayette, Iberia, St. Martin, and Vermilion Parishes.
We are a diverse group of professionals and individuals who are dedicated to protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in Acadiana through community awareness events.
We advocate for breastfeeding support among healthcare providers, facilities, businesses, and families in Acadiana.
Officers
Kendra Coco, MA, AAHCC, CLC, CHC
Chair
Classes, Coaching, and Consulting
Special Delivery
Chair
Classes, Coaching, and Consulting
Special Delivery
Dr. Brytani Laird, D.C.
Vice Chair
Webster Technique Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
Magnolia Family Chiropractic
B!RTHF!T Leader
Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition Steering Committee Board Member
Get to know Dr. Brytani:
Dr. Brytani Brady Laird is originally from Glenmora, Louisiana, where she graduated from Glenmora High School. In high school she participated in many different sports such as basketball, softball, and track. After high school Dr. Brytani Laird attended Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. In college, she was a part of the Collegiate Ministries where she did many mission trips, as well as played intramurals. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
Dr. Brytani became a chiropractic patient during her undergraduate work after having an outstanding foot injury from high school. After being treated by a chiropractor and seeing positive results by losing all foot pain and correcting her foot biomechanics, she decided to go to Chiropractic school. She received her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas in April 2017.
Dr. Brytani has her Webster Technique Certification. Her goal is to work with women during their pregnancy to help them have a healthier and easier childbirth process. She enjoys working with children of all ages and believes chiropractic gives your family the foundation for wellness. She is working on her Diplomate with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association where she is receiving extensive training in pregnancy and pediatrics. Dr. Brytani Laird is also certified in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization to assist muscles in the healing process. She also has worked with many tongue and lip tie patients, both pre and post-release.
Dr. Brytani is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, a Birth Fit Leader, and is on the steering committee for the Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition. She loves serving the community and helping her patients lead a fulfilling life free of pain and restrictions.
Dr. Brytani Laird is married to PJ and they 4 children, Wesston, Brody, Brooklyn, and Barrett. As a family they love playing sports, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors. Dr. Brytani has first hand experience when it comes to breastfeeding. She has logged 84+ months of exclusively breastfeeding her children. Her breastfeeding journey included nursing tongue tied babies, tandem nursing, and exclusive breastfeeding while managing her own business.
Vice Chair
Webster Technique Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
Magnolia Family Chiropractic
B!RTHF!T Leader
Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition Steering Committee Board Member
Get to know Dr. Brytani:
Dr. Brytani Brady Laird is originally from Glenmora, Louisiana, where she graduated from Glenmora High School. In high school she participated in many different sports such as basketball, softball, and track. After high school Dr. Brytani Laird attended Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. In college, she was a part of the Collegiate Ministries where she did many mission trips, as well as played intramurals. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
Dr. Brytani became a chiropractic patient during her undergraduate work after having an outstanding foot injury from high school. After being treated by a chiropractor and seeing positive results by losing all foot pain and correcting her foot biomechanics, she decided to go to Chiropractic school. She received her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas in April 2017.
Dr. Brytani has her Webster Technique Certification. Her goal is to work with women during their pregnancy to help them have a healthier and easier childbirth process. She enjoys working with children of all ages and believes chiropractic gives your family the foundation for wellness. She is working on her Diplomate with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association where she is receiving extensive training in pregnancy and pediatrics. Dr. Brytani Laird is also certified in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization to assist muscles in the healing process. She also has worked with many tongue and lip tie patients, both pre and post-release.
Dr. Brytani is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, a Birth Fit Leader, and is on the steering committee for the Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition. She loves serving the community and helping her patients lead a fulfilling life free of pain and restrictions.
Dr. Brytani Laird is married to PJ and they 4 children, Wesston, Brody, Brooklyn, and Barrett. As a family they love playing sports, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors. Dr. Brytani has first hand experience when it comes to breastfeeding. She has logged 84+ months of exclusively breastfeeding her children. Her breastfeeding journey included nursing tongue tied babies, tandem nursing, and exclusive breastfeeding while managing her own business.
Megan Albarado,
Treasurer
Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition
Treasurer
Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition
Dr, Alayna A. Clark, D.C.
Membership Coordinator
Divine Collective Co. - Chiropractic + Holistic Well Woman Care
Webster Technique Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
Certified Mercier Fertility Specialist
CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner
Vaginal Steaming Facilitator
Birth Story Medicine Listener
Get to know Dr. Alayna:
Dr. Alayna is a New Iberia native and resides in Erath with her husband and is expecting her first baby Spring of 2022. She completed her prerequisites at UL-Lafayette majoring in biochemistry then went on to complete her graduate work at Texas Chiropractic College in Houston, Texas where she received her Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2018. While in chiropractic school Dr. Alayna received her pediatric, prenatal and family wellness training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and received her first fertility/preconception training in the Schaefer Protocol.
Since being in private practice Dr. Alayna has received additional training as a CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner (2019), Birth Story Medicine Listener (2020) and because of her own two year fertility journey she went on to receive certifications as a Vaginal Steam Facilitator (2020) and Certified Mercier Fertility Specialist (2021).
Dr. Alayna is the owner of Divine Collective where she shares her passion for serving and supporting women and babies in the perinatal period as well as couples trying to grow or start their families.
Membership Coordinator
Divine Collective Co. - Chiropractic + Holistic Well Woman Care
Webster Technique Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
Certified Mercier Fertility Specialist
CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner
Vaginal Steaming Facilitator
Birth Story Medicine Listener
Get to know Dr. Alayna:
Dr. Alayna is a New Iberia native and resides in Erath with her husband and is expecting her first baby Spring of 2022. She completed her prerequisites at UL-Lafayette majoring in biochemistry then went on to complete her graduate work at Texas Chiropractic College in Houston, Texas where she received her Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2018. While in chiropractic school Dr. Alayna received her pediatric, prenatal and family wellness training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and received her first fertility/preconception training in the Schaefer Protocol.
Since being in private practice Dr. Alayna has received additional training as a CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner (2019), Birth Story Medicine Listener (2020) and because of her own two year fertility journey she went on to receive certifications as a Vaginal Steam Facilitator (2020) and Certified Mercier Fertility Specialist (2021).
Dr. Alayna is the owner of Divine Collective where she shares her passion for serving and supporting women and babies in the perinatal period as well as couples trying to grow or start their families.
Shatamia Alexander Webb, CPM, LM
Event Coordinator
Baby Catcher Birth Center
Get to know Tammy:
Tammy has been a part of the birth community here in Lafayette since 2012. She opened the 1st Black Owned Birth Center in the state. She is licensed both in the state of Louisiana and nationally as a Certified Professional Midwife. She trained at the birth center in Lafayette, LA and finished her apprenticeship in a home birth practice. Her experience includes over 150 births. She maintains certification every 2 years with the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support and CPR for healthcare professionals (AHA BLS), and American Academy of Pediatrics in Neonatal Resuscitation (AAP NRP). She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from McNeese State University and an Associates Degree in Midwifery from South Louisiana Community College. Her standing as a leader in the maternity care community has been solidified through dedication to her craft and her clients. She is also the proud mother of 2 boys.
Event Coordinator
Baby Catcher Birth Center
Get to know Tammy:
Tammy has been a part of the birth community here in Lafayette since 2012. She opened the 1st Black Owned Birth Center in the state. She is licensed both in the state of Louisiana and nationally as a Certified Professional Midwife. She trained at the birth center in Lafayette, LA and finished her apprenticeship in a home birth practice. Her experience includes over 150 births. She maintains certification every 2 years with the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support and CPR for healthcare professionals (AHA BLS), and American Academy of Pediatrics in Neonatal Resuscitation (AAP NRP). She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from McNeese State University and an Associates Degree in Midwifery from South Louisiana Community College. Her standing as a leader in the maternity care community has been solidified through dedication to her craft and her clients. She is also the proud mother of 2 boys.
board of directors
Lauren David, BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC
Chair of the Board
Drops of Hope Lactation & Wellness Consulting
Opelousas General Health System
Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition Steering Committee Board Member
Chair of the Board
Drops of Hope Lactation & Wellness Consulting
Opelousas General Health System
Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition Steering Committee Board Member
Karen Lavergne, RN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant Mother/Baby
Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center
Lactation Consultant Mother/Baby
Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center
Dr. Damon T. Cudihy, MD
Acadiana OB/GYN
Acadiana OB/GYN
Traci Quebedeaux, MS, RD, LDN, CLC
Regional Nutritionist
Louisiana Office of Public Health
Get to know Traci...
Traci is a native of Lafayette, LA and her husband a native of Port Barre, LA. Together they have one son and three beautiful grandchildren. In 1996, she graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the dietetics program with a masters in public health. She is currently a registered dietician and certified lactation consultant working for the Louisiana Department of Health in the WIC program. Traci says, "I would love breastfeeding to become the NORM in our wonderful community of South Louisiana. Working first hand with the WIC program, for the past 20 years, I see how beneficial and wonderful breastfeeding is for moms and babies."
Regional Nutritionist
Louisiana Office of Public Health
Get to know Traci...
Traci is a native of Lafayette, LA and her husband a native of Port Barre, LA. Together they have one son and three beautiful grandchildren. In 1996, she graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the dietetics program with a masters in public health. She is currently a registered dietician and certified lactation consultant working for the Louisiana Department of Health in the WIC program. Traci says, "I would love breastfeeding to become the NORM in our wonderful community of South Louisiana. Working first hand with the WIC program, for the past 20 years, I see how beneficial and wonderful breastfeeding is for moms and babies."
Dr. Jerrilynn J. Primeaux, DC, CCSP
Webster Technique Certified Chiropractor
Advanced Chiropractic
Get to know Dr. Primeaux...
Dr. Jerrilynn Primeaux, DC, CCSP earned her Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 2008 and graduated as Salutatorian, with Magna Cum Laude honors. She also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University in 2005, with Magna Cum Laude honors. She is a 2001 graduate of Iota High school, with Valedictorian honors and was a 3-sport letterman excelling in basketball, softball, and track.
Dr. Primeaux has advanced training and certification in sports rehabilitation and is certified through the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. She also holds a Kinesio Taping certification, as well as a personal training certification through the National Exercise and Strength Training Association. What also sets Dr. Primeaux apart is that she has a perinatal certification called the Webster Technique, which gives her more expertise with treating pregnant patients before, during, and after pregnancy.
She belongs to the American Chiropractic Association, the Chiropractic Association of Louisiana, the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association, the Acadiana Breastfeeding Coalition Board of Directors, the Ragin’ Revenue BNI chapter, and is an active parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She is originally from Rayne, LA and resides in Milton, LA with her amazing husband Shawn and two beautiful children Caitlyn and Collin. Dr. Primeaux is passionate about breastfeeding, as she nursed both of her children for 2 years, while working full-time and pumping in between patients. She saw 1st hand the many benefits of breastmilk for her children, and recommends breastfeeding to all of her friends, family, and patients.
Webster Technique Certified Chiropractor
Advanced Chiropractic
Get to know Dr. Primeaux...
Dr. Jerrilynn Primeaux, DC, CCSP earned her Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 2008 and graduated as Salutatorian, with Magna Cum Laude honors. She also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University in 2005, with Magna Cum Laude honors. She is a 2001 graduate of Iota High school, with Valedictorian honors and was a 3-sport letterman excelling in basketball, softball, and track.
Dr. Primeaux has advanced training and certification in sports rehabilitation and is certified through the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. She also holds a Kinesio Taping certification, as well as a personal training certification through the National Exercise and Strength Training Association. What also sets Dr. Primeaux apart is that she has a perinatal certification called the Webster Technique, which gives her more expertise with treating pregnant patients before, during, and after pregnancy.
She belongs to the American Chiropractic Association, the Chiropractic Association of Louisiana, the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association, the Acadiana Breastfeeding Coalition Board of Directors, the Ragin’ Revenue BNI chapter, and is an active parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She is originally from Rayne, LA and resides in Milton, LA with her amazing husband Shawn and two beautiful children Caitlyn and Collin. Dr. Primeaux is passionate about breastfeeding, as she nursed both of her children for 2 years, while working full-time and pumping in between patients. She saw 1st hand the many benefits of breastmilk for her children, and recommends breastfeeding to all of her friends, family, and patients.
Dr. Jennifer Melancon, PT, DPT
AKA "The Scar Lady"
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Cedar Physical Therapy & Wellness
Get to know Dr. Jen...
Dr. Melancon graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and from the University of South Alabama with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2012).
She has experience in multiple rehabilitation and wellness setting, with years of experience helping women and children. Dr. Melancon specializes in treating skin trauma and scar tissue, as scar tissue is often a root cause of pain and movement issues. She enjoys helping moms recover and regain their desired level of fitness and performance after pregnancy and childbirth.
AKA "The Scar Lady"
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Cedar Physical Therapy & Wellness
Get to know Dr. Jen...
Dr. Melancon graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and from the University of South Alabama with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2012).
She has experience in multiple rehabilitation and wellness setting, with years of experience helping women and children. Dr. Melancon specializes in treating skin trauma and scar tissue, as scar tissue is often a root cause of pain and movement issues. She enjoys helping moms recover and regain their desired level of fitness and performance after pregnancy and childbirth.
Laurie Credeur, IBCLC
WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Team Lead
Regions: 3 & 4 Lafayette Parish Health Unit
Get to know Laurie...
Laurie is a board certified lactation consultant. She has worked for the WIC program for the past 14 years offering education and support to thousands of prenatal and breastfeeding parents and their families. Breastfeeding issues often occur outside of normal business hours and this is where she specializes in being available to families at those critical times. She is always increasing her knowledge by mentoring WIC Peer Counselors, taking part in online classes, book clubs and educational conferences featuring breastfeeding experts from around the world. Currently, she is involved with expanding support for WIC families by offering online classes and virtual breastfeeding consults. Her passion for this field of work was sparked from her own experience with breastfeeding her four sons. Her wish is that every mom has the support, education and encouragement to overcome any breastfeeding challenges and go on to experience the joy and benefits of breastfeeding as they reach their feeding goals. She works at the Lafayette Parish Health Unit and can be reached at [email protected] or 337-520-9701.
WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Team Lead
Regions: 3 & 4 Lafayette Parish Health Unit
Get to know Laurie...
Laurie is a board certified lactation consultant. She has worked for the WIC program for the past 14 years offering education and support to thousands of prenatal and breastfeeding parents and their families. Breastfeeding issues often occur outside of normal business hours and this is where she specializes in being available to families at those critical times. She is always increasing her knowledge by mentoring WIC Peer Counselors, taking part in online classes, book clubs and educational conferences featuring breastfeeding experts from around the world. Currently, she is involved with expanding support for WIC families by offering online classes and virtual breastfeeding consults. Her passion for this field of work was sparked from her own experience with breastfeeding her four sons. Her wish is that every mom has the support, education and encouragement to overcome any breastfeeding challenges and go on to experience the joy and benefits of breastfeeding as they reach their feeding goals. She works at the Lafayette Parish Health Unit and can be reached at [email protected] or 337-520-9701.
Midwife Kira Káña, CPM, LM
Cajun Stork
The Natural BirthHouse
Get to know Midwife Kira...
After 2.5 years of nursing school at ULL, Kira decided instead to pursue her Licensed Midwife/Certified Professional Midwife education at Aviva Institute for Maternal Child Heath.During that time, she became a certified doula and began attending births through online ads and referrals from friends.
Alongside her school work and doula practice, she began an apprenticeship with a local midwife attending homebirths in 2009. After two years she was offered an the opportunity to complete her apprenticeship at Gentle Choices Birth Center. In 2013, she was licensed as a Licensed Midwife by The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and a Certified Professional Midwife by The North American Registry of Midwives.
Midwife Kira (CajunStork), serves mothers and babies with a unique blend of a modernized healthcare approach rooted in traditional midwifery values. Her holistic approach to pregnancy focuses on the NORMALCY of pregnancy and birth, as well as the prevention of complications through wellness.
Cajun Stork
The Natural BirthHouse
Get to know Midwife Kira...
After 2.5 years of nursing school at ULL, Kira decided instead to pursue her Licensed Midwife/Certified Professional Midwife education at Aviva Institute for Maternal Child Heath.During that time, she became a certified doula and began attending births through online ads and referrals from friends.
Alongside her school work and doula practice, she began an apprenticeship with a local midwife attending homebirths in 2009. After two years she was offered an the opportunity to complete her apprenticeship at Gentle Choices Birth Center. In 2013, she was licensed as a Licensed Midwife by The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and a Certified Professional Midwife by The North American Registry of Midwives.
Midwife Kira (CajunStork), serves mothers and babies with a unique blend of a modernized healthcare approach rooted in traditional midwifery values. Her holistic approach to pregnancy focuses on the NORMALCY of pregnancy and birth, as well as the prevention of complications through wellness.
Kendra Coco, MA, AAHCC, CLC, CHC
Classes, Coaching, and Consulting
Special Delivery
Classes, Coaching, and Consulting
Special Delivery
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Our Board of Directors are elected annually.
Each Board member is a professional who provides support and guidance for ABC's advocacy efforts.