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
National Breastfeeding Month 2014
The National Breastfeeding Month 2014 "Breastfeeding in Six Words" campaign is in full-swing! All month long individual advocates, coalitions, member/partner organizations, and other interested supporters are invited to share six word stories on what breastfeeding means to them. Participants are posting "selfie" photograph on Facebook and/or Twitter, holding a sign with their six word story and using the hashtags #NBM14 and #SixWords. Each week the campaign is focusing on a specific sector/system of support, with Twitter chats and advocacy tools to inspire education and action to support breastfeeding families from the grassroots to the treetops.
Thank You to the NBCC Sponsors!
A huge thank you to our Fifth National Breastfeeding Coalitions Conference Gold Sponsor, Coffective, LLC, and Bronze Sponsor, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The generous support of our sponsors makes this one-of-a-kind event possible!
Federal News
2014 Breastfeeding Report Card, from CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the 2014 Breastfeeding Report Card, providing information on breastfeeding practices and support in all states and nationally. The report finds that breastfeeding rates continue to rise in the United States. Data from the 2014 Breastfeeding Report Card show that in 2011, 79% of newborn infants started breastfeeding, 49% were still breastfeeding at six months, and 27% were still breastfeeding at twelve months. The Report Card has been used to track the number of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) per 1,000 live births since 2006; this year's Report Card also includes the number of Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs) per 1,000 live births. Read the Breastfeeding Week CDC Feature.
National Breastfeeding Month News, from OWH
The HHS Office on Women's Health is promoting a new initiative, Supporting Nursing Moms at Work: Employer Solutions. The resources on the website provide hundreds of innovative solutions for employers looking to support nursing moms when they go back to work. In celebration of this new resource and National Breastfeeding Month, this month's Spotlight on Women's Health features the story of a breastfeeding mom whose employer made sure she had the space and time she needed to pump during the day after returning to work. Other OWH breastfeeding resources include:
- Up-to-date breastfeeding content at www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
- OWH Breastfeeding Helpline with trained lactation specialists who can address common breastfeeding questions and comments: 800-994-9662 (9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET Monday-Friday)
- It's Only Natural breastfeeding campaign for African-American women, including videos from real women and breastfeeding experts
- OWH Breastfeeding Pinterest board
- OWH blog posts:
Member News
Community-Based Doula Resources, from HCOne
HealthConnect One has released a new white paper on Community-Based Doula Programs entitled The Perinatal Revolution. The paper highlights new research supporting the critical role Community-Based Doula Programs play in improving maternal and child health in underserved birthing populations. In addition, HealthConnect One launched a new video on Community-Based Doulas.
We've Got Your Back, Babe Fitness Challenge, from BFB
The Best for Babes Foundation has launched the 2014 We've Got Your Back, Babe (WGYBB) national fitness challenge in partnership with Breastfeeding USA, United States Lactation Consultant Association, and KellyMom.com, to help reach and educate expecting moms about how to navigate barriers to breastfeeding success. Make a donation, join a local team, or join the virtual team to raise funds and awareness.
JHL Award for Evidence-Based Leadership in Breastfeeding
Congratulations to USBC member representative Miriam Labbok, MD, MPH, on receiving the 2014 Journal of Human Lactation Award for Evidence-Based Leadership in Breastfeeding.
Partner News
National Native American Breastfeeding Coalition
Establishment of the National Native American Breastfeeding Coalition is underway! Those who are interested in joining the coalition should send their name, e-mail address, and phone number to indiancountrybreastfeeds@gmail.com.
State/Community News
Community Health Worker Bill Signed into Law, from Illinois
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed Community Health Worker bill HB 5412 into law. The new law adopts the American Public Health Association Community Health Worker (CHW) definition and establishes an infrastructure to promote the recognition and integration of CHWs into the workforce. It also creates the Illinois Community Health Worker Advisory Board to advise on critical issues such as the process for training and certification, best practices, and investigating reimbursement options. The bill does not establish a requirement of state certification or reimbursement for CHWs, nor will it permit CHWs to act in any capacity requiring professional certification or licensure.
Philadelphia Hospitals End Formula Bag Distribution, from Pennsylvania
All six birthing hospitals in Philadelphia have stopped giving out free formula samples to new mothers at discharge. The move, brought by a citywide task force including members from all six hospitals, is part of a nationwide push to reduce the impact of predatory formula marketing. Media highlights include:
- NewsWorks: "For new moms, formula bag no longer a given at Philadelphia hospitals"
- Philly.com: "Phila. hospitals stop giving free formula to new mothers"
News and Views
The Washington Post:
- "Western moms lead the U.S. in breastfeeding, southeast lags"
- "The greatest memo about work-life balance ever?"
The Huffington Post:
- "Dirty Bathrooms, No Privacy: The Horrifying Struggles Of Breastfeeding Moms Who Need To Pump At Work"
- "Arianna Huffington Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week With A Beautiful Throwback Photo"
- "Why We Created 'I Support You' -- And Where We Stand A Year Later"
- "These Are All The States Where It's Legal To Breastfeed In Public"
