SUBSCRIBE | LOG IN TO THE FIRST FOOD CONNECTION HUB 
U.S. Breastfeeding Committee
  • USBC Membership
    • USBC Member Directory
    • Join USBC
    • Membership Benefits & FAQs
    • Membership Fee Schedules
    • Membership Interest Form & Affiliated Coalitions Directory Request Form
  • Policy & Actions
    • Constellation Work Groups >
      • Infant & Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Constellation
      • Disrupting Formula Marketing Constellation
      • Lactation Support Providers Constellation
      • Pasteurized Donor Human Milk Constellation
      • Workplace Support Constellation
    • Active Legislation
    • Breastfeeding Policy Map
    • Existing Legislation
    • Federal Policies, Programs, & Initiatives
    • PUMP Act >
      • The PUMP Act Explained
      • PUMP Act Implementation Resources
      • Know Your Rights-PUMP-Act--PWFA
    • Federal Appropriations for Breastfeeding
    • Take Action
    • Letters & Public Comments
  • Resources
    • USBC Directories >
      • USBC Member Directory
      • Affiliated Coalitions Directory
    • Breastfeeding References
    • Breastfeeding Resources for Parents
    • Breastfeeding In Emergencies >
      • Infant Formula Recall and Shortage
    • Constellation Developed Resources
    • Image Gallery Access
    • Lactation Support Provider Training Directory >
      • Lactation Support Providers Pathways
    • Learning Opportunities
    • Monthly Observances
    • State Breastfeeding Reports
    • USBC Data Survey
  • News & Events
    • Annual Conference
    • Events Calendar
    • National Breastfeeding Month
    • USBC in the Media
    • USBC News & Blogs
    • Weekly Wire Newsletter
  • About Us
    • About the USBC
    • Explaining our "Why"
    • Our Team
    • Job Opportunities
    • Board of Directors
    • USBC Committees
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • History
    • Community Agreements & Guidelines
    • Annual Reports
    • Ways to Give
    • Contact Us
  • USBC Membership
    • USBC Member Directory
    • Join USBC
    • Membership Benefits & FAQs
    • Membership Fee Schedules
    • Membership Interest Form & Affiliated Coalitions Directory Request Form
  • Policy & Actions
    • Constellation Work Groups >
      • Infant & Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Constellation
      • Disrupting Formula Marketing Constellation
      • Lactation Support Providers Constellation
      • Pasteurized Donor Human Milk Constellation
      • Workplace Support Constellation
    • Active Legislation
    • Breastfeeding Policy Map
    • Existing Legislation
    • Federal Policies, Programs, & Initiatives
    • PUMP Act >
      • The PUMP Act Explained
      • PUMP Act Implementation Resources
      • Know Your Rights-PUMP-Act--PWFA
    • Federal Appropriations for Breastfeeding
    • Take Action
    • Letters & Public Comments
  • Resources
    • USBC Directories >
      • USBC Member Directory
      • Affiliated Coalitions Directory
    • Breastfeeding References
    • Breastfeeding Resources for Parents
    • Breastfeeding In Emergencies >
      • Infant Formula Recall and Shortage
    • Constellation Developed Resources
    • Image Gallery Access
    • Lactation Support Provider Training Directory >
      • Lactation Support Providers Pathways
    • Learning Opportunities
    • Monthly Observances
    • State Breastfeeding Reports
    • USBC Data Survey
  • News & Events
    • Annual Conference
    • Events Calendar
    • National Breastfeeding Month
    • USBC in the Media
    • USBC News & Blogs
    • Weekly Wire Newsletter
  • About Us
    • About the USBC
    • Explaining our "Why"
    • Our Team
    • Job Opportunities
    • Board of Directors
    • USBC Committees
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • History
    • Community Agreements & Guidelines
    • Annual Reports
    • Ways to Give
    • Contact Us

uSBC News & Blogs

2023 archives
December
  • 12/4/2023: usbc stakeholder listening sessions: share your vision for achieving infant nutrition security
November 
  • 11/29/2023: USBC Membership meeting mission moment with dr. scott hartman
  • 11/22/2023: Reflections on Native American Heritage Month: a Conversation with kimberly moore-salas
  • 11/21/2023: 2023 Impact Report: breastfeeding policy priorities
  • 11/17/2023: USBC Interim EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNOUNCEMENT
October
  • 10/30/2023: USBC Executive director transition announcement
September
  • 9/28/2023: using data to inform infant and young child feeding in emergency preparedness systems
  • 9/20/2023: Reviving identity caucuses at the usbc: we want to hear from you!
  • 9/19/2023: Reflecting on national breastfeeding month 2023 wins
August
  • 8/25/2023: FY24 appropriations: what recent senate bills mean for infant feeding
July
  • 7/28/2023: Fy24 appropriations: what the house and senate bills mean for infant feeding
  • ​7/25/2023: taking the time for celebration: the pump act and pwfa are law!
  • ​7/21/2023: news from the chair: change is good
march
  • 3/23/2023: fiscal year 2024 president's budget: what it means for the lactation field
  • 3/1/2023: renewing the usbc commitment to equity as we seek to grow the usbc membership network
february
  • ​2/16/2023: join the usbc welcome congress campaign!
  • ​2/15/2023: the u.s. breastfeeding committee launches the creating space scholarship
  • ​2/8/2023: open letter to congress: new research highlights critical need for strong policies to leverage the value of breastfeeding
january
  • ​1/12/2023: fy23 federal budget signed into law: what it means for infant feeding
  • ​1/6/2023: pump for nursing mothers act signed into law
2022 archives
december
  • 12/24/2022: pump for nursing mothers act will soon be signed into law
  • 12/8/2022: usda proposes new wic package
november
  • ​11/1/2022: the usbc membership steps into a new opportunity for connection: launching the first food connection hub & taking a mission moment with monica esparza
october
  • 10/27/2022: 2022 impact report: breastfeeding policy priorities
  • 10/24/2022: a closer look at the 2022 cdc breastfeeding report card
september
  • 9/29/2022: STATEMENT ON WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON HUNGER, NUTRITION, AND HEALTh
august
  • 8/24/2022: fy23 appropriations: what the senate bills mean for infant feeding
  • 8/18/2022: a consideration of choice (in the absence of systemic supports)*
​july
  • 7/14/2022: fy23 appropriations: what the house bills mean for infant feeding
june
  • 6/24/2022: the senate failed to pass the pump act on wednesday. that hurts. but it doesn't mean the fight is over.
  • 6/2/2022: the four pillars of infant nutrition security in the united states
​may
  • 5/19/2022: infant formula recall and shortage: resources
  • 5/13/2022: calling your senator about the pump act is easy! here's how.
january
  • 1/26/2022: call for proposals for the 2022 conference!
  • 1/3/2022: impact report: 2021 breastfeeding policy priorities
​
2021 archives
DECEMBER  
  • 12/9/2021: 2020 state and territory breastfeeding reports now available!
  • 12/3/2021: join usbc on our equity journey​
november
  • 11/12/2021: 2020 usbc annual report released!​​​​
october​
  • 10/22/2021: protecting parents, babies, public health, employers, and the economy: a bipartisan case for the pump for nursing mothers act
  • 10/22/2021: pump for nursing mothers act passes with bipartisan support in u.s. house of representatives
  • 10/20/2021: breaking news: the pump act is going to the house floor for a vote this friday
september
  • 9/30/2021: reflections on national preparedness month and the pandemic
  • 9/28/2021: join the nationwide pump act call-in day
  • ​9/27/2021: the house is voting on the pump act this week. join the week of action.
  • 9/26/2021: pump act week of action partner toolkit
  • 9/10/2021: reflections on national breastfeeding month 2021: every step of the way
august
  • 8/24/2021: 8 questions answered by the usbc policy team
july
  • 7/29/2021: Cdc awards usbc a five-year grant to coordinate a national approach to improve the infant feeding landscape
  • 7/22/2021: fiscal year 2022 house agriculture and dhs appropriations reports released
  • 7/16/2021: fiscal year 2022 house labor-hhs appropriations report released
may
  • 5/24/2021: reclaiming our tradition: aanhpi breastfeeding week 2021
2020 archives
AUGUST
  • 8/31/2020: celebrating #bbw20: revive. restore. reclaim!
  • 8/21/2020: native breastfeeding week is over, but the work continues
  • ​8/7/2020: happy national breastfeeding month! we are many voices united #nbm2020

Impact Report: 2021 Breastfeeding Policy Priorities

1/3/2022

0 Comments

 
In 2021, we bore witness to an insurrection at the Capital, struggled with defining a new normal in the face of a pandemic still ravaging communities, and experienced (or swallowed) the pain and bitterness associated with ongoing inequities perpetuated by systemic and structural racism. Despite it all, the First Food field remained steady in its commitment to meeting the basic needs of infants and families.

We recognize that infant feeding is a shared human priority beyond partisanship or social crisis. And together, first with votes from our broader stakeholder community, then with rankings by the representatives of our member organizations, we identified the top five policy priorities for the First Food field.

We are proud to share that in 2021, we did many great things together, including achieving forward movement on all five of these policy priorities. We thank you for your continued support. Here is a detailed account reflecting ongoing USBC activities to advance these policy priorities.
Picture
Since 2012, Congress has allocated funds to the CDC Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program. Despite the name, CDC uses these funds to improve maternity care practices, increase access to peer & professional support, ensure continuity of breastfeeding care, increase support for breastfeeding employees, and address disparities in breastfeeding rates. Over 150 organizations joined USBC in calling for an increase for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). We bolstered our call for increased funding with more than 2,000 constituent messages sent with the USBC action tool. The FY22 federal budget is still under negotiation. We are hopeful that the $1 million increase recommended by the Senate will be included in the final budget.

The USBC also launched the 2020 State and Territory Breastfeeding Reports. Each report features data on breastfeeding rates, disparities, maternity care practices, and WIC performance measures and highlights state and community-based projects made possible through federal funding in 2020.
Picture
Access to lactation support and supplies remains a major challenge for young families during emergencies. USBC is working with Congressional champions and partners from the field to develop legislation that would ensure that lactation support and supplies are eligible for reimbursement under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Critical Needs Assistance program. Stay tuned for news and action in the coming months!

In addition, the COVID-19 Infant & Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCFE) Constellation, founded in 2020, has continued to foster information sharing this year. We anticipate that this Constellation will pivot to an IYCFE focus when the pandemic subsides.
Picture
Insurer coverage of lactation support and supplies is critical to building a landscape of support for babies and families. Unfortunately, coverage gaps leave too many families unable to access these essential services. Every five years, the Women's Preventive Services Initiative releases updated clinical recommendations on what services and supplies private insurance must cover without cost-sharing. The USBC mobilized the field to submit public comments to shape the clinical recommendations to create more equitable access. The Lactation Support Provider (LSP) Constellation closely examined the draft recommendations and submitted eleven detailed comments through the WPSI process.

The USBC also advocated for including the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration Project in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The demonstration project will evaluate the cost, quality of care, and impact on maternal and fetal outcomes of using extramedical maternal health providers for military families. The USBC will monitor the project's implementation. The LSP Constellation will continue to advocate for an equitable approach that utilizes and reimburses the full spectrum of providers and their specific skills through a culturally-centered lens.
Picture
​Research shows that access to paid family and medical leave makes a world of difference for lactating parents and their families. Still, only a small portion of workers in the United States have paid leave. The USBC stands with a coalition of organizations working to establish a national paid family and medical insurance leave program. In addition to a growing number of cosponsors on the FAMILY Act, the Build Back Better Act includes a provision for a national paid leave program. The lactation field brings an important perspective to the paid leave dialogue. In 2021, you sent over 7,000 messages to policymakers using the USBC action tool!

After returning to work, lactating employees must have access to break time and a safe space to pump during the workday. The USBC is incredibly proud to serve as part of the strategy team ushering the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act through the Congressional process. The PUMP Act is the first standalone breastfeeding bill to receive a recorded vote on the House floor. PUMP passed with strong bipartisan support in the House. A Senate version of the bill already advanced out of committee with unanimous bipartisan support. We are now waiting for PUMP to go to the Senate floor for a vote. More than 160 organizations signed on to support the PUMP Act. Individual advocates sent more than 13,000 messages to policymakers with the USBC action tool. We hope you're ready for another big PUMP Act advocacy push in early 2022!
Picture
Maternity care practices play an essential role in setting families up for infant feeding success. The USBC is part of a mighty coalition working to advance a legislative package known as the Black Maternal Health Momnibus. The Momnibus includes several bills endorsed and supported by the USBC, including the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, which was signed into law in December 2021!
Together, we made a big impact in 2021. We showed up when it was time to dig into the details of complicated policies because we knew what it could mean for babies and families. We elevated our concerns and solutions to policymakers. We showed up, even when it was difficult. And, all of it was possible thanks to your support.

We are buoyed by every action you take! Signing on to letters, using our advocacy tools to contact legislators, and urging others to act by posting on social media and talking to people in your networks are all necessary steps to advance the policy agenda we've defined together. We also need financial support to fund our advocacy efforts. Please consider making a donation to USBC. All contributions, from $5 to $5,000 or more, are valuable, worthy, and appreciated.

We are so grateful to have you with us on this journey.

Warm wishes,
Picture
Nikia Sankofa
Executive Director
Picture
Amelia Psmythe Seger
Deputy Director
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    April 2025
    December 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    August 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Copyright U.S. Breastfeeding Committee.  All Rights Reserved.
1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (773) 359-1549 | [email protected] | sitemap
QuestionPro's survey software plays a major role in helping us keep in touch with our alumni, volunteers, donors, employees, and other affiliates. Surveying them has helped strengthen our relationship.

Picture