Please note: Inclusion of an item in this e-newsletter does NOT imply endorsement or support of such item by the United States Breastfeeding Committee, unless specifically noted.
USBC Updates
On Thursday, January 24, USBC and MomsRising volunteers hand-delivered 361 "Welcome Congress" packages to Congressional offices, with an additional 156 packages sent via delivery service. Each package contained our "funny money" (coin-shaped magnet or dollar-shaped notepad, shown below) with a special fact sheet and a "welcome" cover letter linked to the over 7,500 signatures (and counting!) from supporters like YOU! The Congressional delegations from 32 states also received a personalized letter from their state breastfeeding coalition. Visit the campaign's web page for details and downloads.
Federal News
Indian Health Diabetes Best Practice: Breastfeeding Support, from IHS
The Indian Health Diabetes Best Practice: Breastfeeding Support report describes clinical tools and technical resources to effectively support breastfeeding. The intent of this report from the Indian Health Service, Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, is to assist families in childbearing age who are at risk for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Member News
Nursing in Public Hotline, from Best for Babes
Moms continue to report harassment when breastfeeding in public. Recent incidents include:
- The Leaky Boob blog: "Fear and Breastfeeding in Las Vegas"
- NBC Philadelphia: "Moms Claim They Were Harassed by Security for Breastfeeding at Mall"
The recently-launched Best for Babes Nursing in Public (NIP) hotline is the place to report and record NIP incidents. When breastfeeding moms call 855-NIP-FREE (855-647-3733), hotline volunteers work to help them understand their rights, navigate through the situation, and suggest ways to approach the offending institution.
Partner News
New Report, from IWPR
The Institute for Women's Policy Research has released a report entitled How Increasing Breastfeeding Rates Will Affect WIC Expenditures: Saving Money While Meeting the Goals of Healthy People 2020.
State/Community News
Baby-Friendly Hospital 5-Star Incentive Project, from Georgia
The Georgia Department of Public Health and the Georgia SHAPE Initiative are pleased to announce that nine hospitals have been chosen to participate in the Baby-Friendly Hospital 5-Star Incentive Project. Funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the project will provide training, technical assistance, and financial support for this select group of hospitals that are already making significant progress toward designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital.
