6th Appalachian Breastfeeding Conference - Celebrating TEN Years!
"Appalachian Breastfeeding Support in the 21st Century: Building Support & Honoring Culture"
October 9-10, 2026
Oglebay Park Resort
Wheeling, WV
*In Person Only Conference*
Join us for a unique, entertaining, and educational conference on October 9-10, in Wheeling, WV. This year's theme is "Appalachian Breastfeeding Support in the 21st Century: Building Support & Honoring Culture", where we will focus on our profession in Appalachia and how modern inventions and practices have influenced our breastfeeding culture, both past and present. This year's conference will be broken up into two days with the first day's focus being on the historical context of breastfeeding in Appalachia and the second day's focus being on the current and future advances in lactation throughout Appalachia. We hope you'll bring both your listening and thinking caps as we work on ourselves to enhance our capacities to give to our clients.
Why choose this conference?
This conference is the only Appalachian specific conference for lactation. All of our topics not only relate to breastfeeding, but also to our Appalachian community. Whether you are from Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina - or one of the others of the 13 states that make up Appalachia - we are speaking to you!
In addition, we are offering many unique experiences along with the conference!
Tentative Agenda
We are CELEBRATING TEN YEARS!!
“Appalachian Breastfeeding Support in the 21st Century”
Building Support & Honoring Culture
October 9-10, 2026
Oglebay Park Resort
Wheeling, WV
Day One: Friday, October 9, 2026
Honoring The Past
8:00 am – 9:00 am – Registration/Breakfast (provided)
9:00 am – 9:15 am – Welcome – ABN President, Stephanie Hutchinson
9:15 am – 10:00 am – Stephanie Hutchinson – “The WHO Code in Appalachia – The Historical and Current Impact”
10:00 am – 10:15 am – Short break
10:15 am – 11:15 am – Joni Gray – "Nourishing Generations: A Personal Breastfeeding Journey and Cultural Perspective"
11:15 am – 12:15 pm – Kara Napier – Barriers to Lactation Services in WV/WV WIC Update
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm – Lunch (provided)
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm – Tenise D. Hordge – “From Granny Midwives to Modern Medicine: Honoring Appalachian Birth & Feeding Traditions”
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm – Allyson Wessells – “The Art and Science of Optimizing Access to Lactation Services that Empower Families and Sustain Providers in Appalachia”
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm – Break
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm – Plenary Nichelle Clark - TBA
Dinner On Your Own
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – #MilkyMountainStories
Day Two: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Building Support for the Future
7:30 am – 8:00 am – Sunrise Yoga – Nikki Lee
8:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast (provided)
9:00 am – 9:15 am – Welcome and Day’s Itinerary
9:15 am – 10:30 am – Plenary Nichelle Clark - TBA
10:30 am – 11:30 am – Lillian Scott – “Infant Feeding in Modern Society”
11:30 am – 1:00 pm – Lunch (provided)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Jayne Carpenter, Brandi Harrison, & Love Anderson – "When the System Stops: Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies in Appalachia"
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm – ABN News, Scholarships/Awards
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm – Allyson Wessells – “Journey to Outcomes: Nurturing Collaboration for Complex Feeding Challenges that May Require Resources Beyond Appalachia”
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Closing Remarks
Faculty:
Plenary Speaker: Nichelle Clark, IBCLC, IFC, HSC
Allyson Wessells, PT, IBCLC
Brandi Harrison, IBCLC
Jayne Carpenter, IBCLC, CBS, OBC
Joni Gray, Ed.D, MA, BA, CLC
Kara Napier, RD, LD
Love Anderson
Stephanie Hutchinson, MBA, BS, IBCLC, PMH-C
Tenise Hordge, DHA
**Faculty, Titles, and Agenda subject to change
***Activities are subject to availability and approval by facility
Registration Cost and Deadlines
Two Days:
Early Bird Member: $300
Early Bird Non-Member: $350
Regular Member: $350
Regular Non-Member: $400
One Day Only:
Early Bird Member: $150
Early Bird Non-Member: $175
Regular Member: $175
Regular Non-Member: $200
Dates for Early Bird Registration: August 25, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Dates for Regular Registration: June 30, 2026 - September 30, 2026
Students may receive a 25% discount on their registration fees. Please use promo code STUDENT2026 at registration.
Our membership is a yearly membership and will cost $20.
To purchase membership, please click here.
Full refunds will be issued upon notification to our registrar until September 1, 2026. No refunds will be issued after September 1, 2026. If proof of positive COVID-19 test, full refund will be issued regardless of date. To discuss refund e-mail our ABN registrar, Dyan Van Sickle, at [email protected]
Why choose this conference?
This conference is the only Appalachian specific conference for lactation. All of our topics not only relate to breastfeeding, but also to our Appalachian community. Whether you are from Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina - or one of the others of the 13 states that make up Appalachia - we are speaking to you!
In addition, we are offering many unique experiences along with the conference!
- Join us for #MilkyMountainStories the night of day one of conference for an open mic where we can embrace our Appalachian heritage or vent to a group of empathetic individuals that understand. Entertainment may include storytelling, poetry, song, or more. Be creative!
- TEN YEAR CELEBRATIONS!
- Several topics/speakers, giving you a breaks throughout the day.
- Hair Lights will be available during the conference, right in the room, so you don't have to miss any speaking and also enjoy a unique experience at the same time!
- Held at the relaxing Oglebay Park Resort in Wheeling, WV.
- Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.
- CEUs and CERPs will be applied for.
Tentative Agenda
We are CELEBRATING TEN YEARS!!
“Appalachian Breastfeeding Support in the 21st Century”
Building Support & Honoring Culture
October 9-10, 2026
Oglebay Park Resort
Wheeling, WV
Day One: Friday, October 9, 2026
Honoring The Past
8:00 am – 9:00 am – Registration/Breakfast (provided)
9:00 am – 9:15 am – Welcome – ABN President, Stephanie Hutchinson
9:15 am – 10:00 am – Stephanie Hutchinson – “The WHO Code in Appalachia – The Historical and Current Impact”
10:00 am – 10:15 am – Short break
10:15 am – 11:15 am – Joni Gray – "Nourishing Generations: A Personal Breastfeeding Journey and Cultural Perspective"
11:15 am – 12:15 pm – Kara Napier – Barriers to Lactation Services in WV/WV WIC Update
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm – Lunch (provided)
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm – Tenise D. Hordge – “From Granny Midwives to Modern Medicine: Honoring Appalachian Birth & Feeding Traditions”
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm – Allyson Wessells – “The Art and Science of Optimizing Access to Lactation Services that Empower Families and Sustain Providers in Appalachia”
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm – Break
3:45 pm – 5:00 pm – Plenary Nichelle Clark - TBA
Dinner On Your Own
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – #MilkyMountainStories
Day Two: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Building Support for the Future
7:30 am – 8:00 am – Sunrise Yoga – Nikki Lee
8:00 am – 9:00 am – Breakfast (provided)
9:00 am – 9:15 am – Welcome and Day’s Itinerary
9:15 am – 10:30 am – Plenary Nichelle Clark - TBA
10:30 am – 11:30 am – Lillian Scott – “Infant Feeding in Modern Society”
11:30 am – 1:00 pm – Lunch (provided)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Jayne Carpenter, Brandi Harrison, & Love Anderson – "When the System Stops: Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies in Appalachia"
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm – ABN News, Scholarships/Awards
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm – Allyson Wessells – “Journey to Outcomes: Nurturing Collaboration for Complex Feeding Challenges that May Require Resources Beyond Appalachia”
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Closing Remarks
Faculty:
Plenary Speaker: Nichelle Clark, IBCLC, IFC, HSC
Allyson Wessells, PT, IBCLC
Brandi Harrison, IBCLC
Jayne Carpenter, IBCLC, CBS, OBC
Joni Gray, Ed.D, MA, BA, CLC
Kara Napier, RD, LD
Love Anderson
Stephanie Hutchinson, MBA, BS, IBCLC, PMH-C
Tenise Hordge, DHA
**Faculty, Titles, and Agenda subject to change
***Activities are subject to availability and approval by facility
Registration Cost and Deadlines
Two Days:
Early Bird Member: $300
Early Bird Non-Member: $350
Regular Member: $350
Regular Non-Member: $400
One Day Only:
Early Bird Member: $150
Early Bird Non-Member: $175
Regular Member: $175
Regular Non-Member: $200
Dates for Early Bird Registration: August 25, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Dates for Regular Registration: June 30, 2026 - September 30, 2026
Students may receive a 25% discount on their registration fees. Please use promo code STUDENT2026 at registration.
Our membership is a yearly membership and will cost $20.
To purchase membership, please click here.
Full refunds will be issued upon notification to our registrar until September 1, 2026. No refunds will be issued after September 1, 2026. If proof of positive COVID-19 test, full refund will be issued regardless of date. To discuss refund e-mail our ABN registrar, Dyan Van Sickle, at [email protected]
Oglebay Park Resort Group Rate Information:
Premier Lodging Rooms: Rate $169.00 per room per night plus taxes & resort fee.
Lodging Rooms have been updated with LCD TVs, Keurig coffee makers, high speed internet &
granite countertops. These rooms are available with king and double beds.
The follow special considerations are enjoyed by our attendees and our resort guests.
Complimentary internet throughout resort.
Complimentary fitness room, sauna, hot tub and indoor pool
Complimentary parking
To book: Call 304-243-4090 and give them the booking ID 675 to receive the discount!
RESERVATIONS
All reservations must be received no later than 30 days prior to arrival, or Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Oglebay will not hold any reservations not guaranteed with method of payment or established billing arrangements.
Reservation Methods: INDIVIDUAL CALL IN:
When the Reservation Method used is an "Individual Call-In", it's agreed that each individual guest will make their own reservations directly with Oglebay.
Guests may call Reservations at 304-243-4090 to confirm their reservations PLEASE USE BOOKING NUMBER 675 when reserving your room
A deposit equal to one night's rate plus applicable taxes and fees will be due with each reservation request.
Lodging Rooms have been updated with LCD TVs, Keurig coffee makers, high speed internet &
granite countertops. These rooms are available with king and double beds.
The follow special considerations are enjoyed by our attendees and our resort guests.
Complimentary internet throughout resort.
Complimentary fitness room, sauna, hot tub and indoor pool
Complimentary parking
To book: Call 304-243-4090 and give them the booking ID 675 to receive the discount!
RESERVATIONS
All reservations must be received no later than 30 days prior to arrival, or Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Oglebay will not hold any reservations not guaranteed with method of payment or established billing arrangements.
Reservation Methods: INDIVIDUAL CALL IN:
When the Reservation Method used is an "Individual Call-In", it's agreed that each individual guest will make their own reservations directly with Oglebay.
Guests may call Reservations at 304-243-4090 to confirm their reservations PLEASE USE BOOKING NUMBER 675 when reserving your room
A deposit equal to one night's rate plus applicable taxes and fees will be due with each reservation request.
Transportation options to the conference:
Directions to Oglebay
Conveniently nestled in the heart of the eastern U.S., Oglebay is just 1 hour from Pittsburgh, 2 hours from Columbus, and 3 hours from Cleveland—making it an easy getaway from several major cities.
From I-70 W
Follow I-70 W to Exit 2A Oglebay Park. Follow signs for Oglebay Park and merge onto National Road. Turn left at the light by Tim Horton's onto Bethany Pike/WV Route 88 N toward Oglebay (2.5 mi). Arrive at Oglebay.
From I-70 E
Follow I-70 E to Wheeling, WV. Take the Oglebay Park Exit 2A. Follow signs for Oglebay Park and turn right onto National Road. Turn left at the light by Tim Horton's onto Bethany Pike/WV Route 88 N toward Oglebay (2.5 mi). Arrive at Oglebay.
Transportation from Pittsburgh Airport via Greyhound Bus to Wheeling, WV: www.greyhound.com/bus-routes/pittsburgh-pa-wheeling-wv
Interested in a shuttle? Please e-mail us so we can determine need.
E-mail: [email protected]