Hiltrud Dawson, Best Start Resource Centre works with is a Health Promotion Consultant with the Best Start Resource Centre, funded to support Ontario service providers who address preconception, prenatal, maternal and child health issues. She has worked extensively on breastfeeding, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and infant health topics. Hiltrud was instrumental in implementing the Baby-Friendly Initiative at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton. In her present capacity, Hiltrud assists communities across the province by providing workshops, consultations and developing new provincial resources.

Martha Svacina is a public health manager with the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program, a Lactation Consultant, and a Masters of Public Health student with the University of Waterloo.  In collaboration with community partners, Martha has participated in the development and implementation of a thriving breastfeeding peer support program as well as many Baby-Friendly Initiative strategies. She and her colleagues have shared their work at several provincial conferences. Currently, she is completing her practicum with the Best Start Resource Centre and is focusing on child health and breastfeeding projects.