Terry Jo Curtis, IBCLC

IBBC FOUNDER
1951-2014

Terry Jo Curtis, was an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Certified Lactation Counselor, RDS Bereavement Counselor, and Pasteurization Coordinator for the Indiana Mothers’ Milk Bank as well as a part of the Lactation Department staff for IU Health Methodist Hospital.

Terry’s first interest in breastfeeding was at the age of eleven when her grandmother shared stories of how she nursed her two sons and her employer’s sons as well. In fact, that was how her grandmother made a living in Mississippi, along with a modest motel she built for the community.

After learning that the African-American community has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates and one of the highest infant mortality rates, she created a breastfeeding class at her place of fellowship, Caldwell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. The classes were followed by a breastfeeding support group. Terry was selected as a delegate to represent Indiana breastfeeding coalitions at the United States Breastfeeding Coalition Conference in Washington D.C. in 2008.

Soon after, in 2009 she won the Indiana Perinatal Network “Most Valuable Player Award” for her work in the breastfeeding community. Terry was also called upon to help build and serve on the first African American Summit, “Rose '' (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere) in Atlanta as an expert breastfeeding coalition consultant to the CDC.

She continued to lead and represent Indiana by building solid relationships in the Midwest, until her passing in 2014. And now, her legacy lives on through her two daughters Paris, who plays a vital role in community outreach. Kai, who is dedicated to refining the organizational structure coalition. Together with your help we can ensure your family builds a strong, healthy, legacy of breastfeeding.