Blog Archives

Weekly Wire: PUMP Act Briefing, New Equity Champions Directory, and more

1/27/2023

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- Equity Champions Directory Now Available
- Virtual Briefing on the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act
- Deadline Extension: Welcome Congress Sign-On Letter
- Save the Date for the In-Person 2023 USBC Conference
- Collaboratively Pursuing Policy Solutions Webinar Recording Now Available
- Upcoming Events in January & February on USBC Events Calendar
International News
- WABA World Breastfeeding Week Slogan Announced
National News
- Guide for Applying to DNPAO Funding
- Breastfeeding Equity Through Community Engagement Infographic
- New Congressional District Health Dashboard
State & Community News
- Minnesota Bill Introduced to Establish a Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
News & Views
Journal Publications

denotes a USBC member organization news item denotes a USBC-affiliated constellation news item

USBC Updates

Equity Champions Directory Now Available!

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is pleased to announce that the Equity Champions Directory is now available! This new resource has been made possible through funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) and was created to help individuals and organizations in our network to find support in operationalizing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their internal structures, policies, and programs. The directory is free and accessible on the USBC website. If your organization is committed to taking the next step in its equity journey, we encourage you to visit the directory to review and connect with the equity coaches, consultants, trainers, speakers, and evaluators listed therein. To be considered for inclusion in the directory, we invite you to tell us about your expertise. Please note that the inclusion of an individual in the Equity Champions Directory does not signify USBC endorsement of their training content or views.

Virtual Briefing on the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act

Join us on Tuesday, February 7, at 2 p.m. ET for the free, virtual "PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act Briefing." The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act was signed into law on December 29, 2022. Join this briefing to learn about this important policy advancement, including the full story of the bill's passage, details on the law's protections and what it means for employers and workers, and a discussion on next steps for our collective movement to secure workplace lactation protections for every worker in the nation. The briefing is co-hosted by A Better Balance, the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for WorkLife Law, MomsRising, National WIC Association, and U.S. Breastfeeding Committee.

Deadline Extension: Welcome Congress Sign-On Letter

The USBC is extending the deadline to join the organizational sign-on letter welcoming the new Congress and urging them to prioritize breastfeeding during the 118th Congressional Session. The letter calls on Congress to advance five policy priorities identified by the USBC and membership:

Federal funding for breastfeeding
Infant nutrition security
Access to lactation support & supplies
Workplace protections
Maternity care

The deadline for organizations to be included in the initial delivery of the letter is Friday, February 10. Additional signatures will be added on a rolling basis. The letter will be delivered to all Senators and Representatives as part of the USBC Welcome Congress campaign, taking place the week of February 13.

Save the Date for the In-Person 2023 USBC Conference

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is thrilled to announce that the annual USBC Conference will be hosted in person in Bethesda, MD from June 8-10. The main conference will be Friday, June 9, & Saturday, June 10, with a preconference workshop day on Thursday, June 8. This year's theme is: Expanding Connections and Partnering for Progress. The annual USBC Conference, called the National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening (NBCC), brings together a diverse set of clinical, community, advocacy, and research professionals who recognize the public health importance of breastfeeding as critical for reducing the burden of infant morbidity and mortality, childhood and adolescent overweight, obesity, and chronic disease, and maternal type 2 diabetes and maternal breast and ovarian cancers. The 2023 convening is being designed for maximum engagement, networking, and connection, particularly important after two years of online events. Details and hotel reservation link for the June USBC Conference will be available on the USBC website soon.

Collaboratively Pursuing Policy Solutions Webinar Recording Now Available

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee recently hosted a webinar titled, "Collaboratively Pursuing Policy Solutions: Lessons Learned from the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee" during which USBC Deputy Director Amelia Psmythe Seger and USBC Senior Policy & Communications Manager Cheryl Lebedevitch reviewed the organization's collaborative approach to organizing stakeholders for policy, systems, and environmental change efforts. They described strategies for collaborating to create legislative change and shared the policy priorities the USBC has identified for the 118th congressional session. The webinar is now accessible on the USBC Learning Opportunities webpage. Please note, continuing education was available for the live viewing only.

Upcoming Events in January & February on USBC Events Calendar

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee maintains an Events Calendar with upcoming breastfeeding-related events that are hosted by our extensive network of USBC member organizations. Events include online trainings, learning opportunities, virtual conferences, and more. Check out the calendar to explore recently added events taking place the coming weeks. If you are a USBC member, we invite you to submit your organization's events via the USBC Member Portal.

International News

WABA World Breastfeeding Week Slogan Announced

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) announced the slogan for World Breastfeeding Week 2023: Enabling breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents. This year's campaign will focus on employment and the impact of paid leave, workplace support, and emerging parenting norms on breastfeeding through the lens of parents themselves. Target audiences, including governments, policymakers, employers, communities, and parents will be urged to play a role in empowering families and sustaining breastfeeding-friendly environments in the post-pandemic work life.

National News

Guide for Applying to DNPAO Funding

The Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) created a comprehensive guide with information, tips, and resources for organizations interested in applying for the State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (SPAN), High Obesity Program (HOP), or Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2023 funding opportunities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Nutrition Physical Activity and Obesity.

Breastfeeding Equity Through Community Engagement Infographic

The Association of State and Territorial Officials (ASTHO) released the "Breastfeeding Equity Through Community Engagement" infographic. ASTHO supports 16 state recipients in implementing evidence-based breastfeeding policies and practices at the state and local levels through the Breastfeeding Learning Community. The infographic highlights key takeaways and successes in breastfeeding from these recipients, and describes funded projects in Arkansas, Utah, and Minnesota.

New Congressional District Health Dashboard

New York University Grossman School of Medicine, in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, released the Congressional District Health Dashboard. This new online tool provides data on health and conditions that affect health in every congressional district across the country. The initiative aims to provide policymakers, advocates, and community members with nonpartisan data at the congressional district level, such as life expectancy, diabetes rates, and deaths from cardiovascular disease and breast cancer, to portray strengths and challenges in each region and drive positive change.

USBC Insight: The Congressional District Dashboard includes data on 36 measures which are organized into five categories: Health Behaviors, Social and Economic Factors, Physical Environment, Health Outcomes, and Clinical Care. Human milk feeding is proven to reduce the risk of a number of the health outcomes that are measured in the dashboard. Compared with commercial milk formula-fed children, breastfed infants have a reduced risk of obesity and type 1 and 2 diabetes. Women who breastfed their children have a reduced long-term risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer. Additionally, social and economic factors and conditions in the physical environment can exacerbate breastfeeding disparities. Investing in breastfeeding and lactation support represents a powerful investment in public health. This district-level data can serve as a helpful tool for advocates to demonstrate to policymakers why lactation-friendly policies are critically needed.

State & Community News

Minnesota Bill Introduced to Establish a Paid Family and Medical Leave Program

A Minnesota bill for a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program was introduced in both the House (HF 2) and Senate (SF 2). This legislation would establish a state-run insurance program to provide Minnesota workers with up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and up to an additional 12 weeks of paid medical leave per year.

News & Views

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: "HHS Offers States Flexibility to Better Address Medicaid Enrollees’ Needs"

The Huffington Post: "What To Know About The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act"

Politico: "Abbott under criminal investigation over baby formula crisis"

Upworthy: "The Pump Act is now law and protects parents nursing children at their workplace"

Journal Publications

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology: "Lactogenesis and breastfeeding after immediate vs delayed birth-hospitalization insertion of etonogestrel contraceptive implant: a noninferiority trial"

BMJ Global Health: "Adverse maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes among pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection: an individual participant data meta-analysis"

Health Promotion Practice:

Weekly Wire: Announcing USBC Policy Priorities, 2023 Lancet Series on Breastfeeding, and more

1/20/2023

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- Announcing USBC Policy Priorities for the 118th Congressional Session
- PUMP Act Explainer Now Available As A Webpage
International News
- Launch Event for 2023 Lancet Series on Breastfeeding
National News
- Systematic Review on Health Benefits of Breastfeeding in Infants and Children
- Military Parental Leave Expanded As Part Of NDAA
- Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities Brainstorming Session
- Request for Information on Eliminating Disparities Through Healthy Start
- Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap
- Webinar on Adverse Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Breastfeeding
- Guide to Workplace Leave Laws
- Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement 28-Day Anti-Racism Challenge
State & Community News
- New Nebraska Bills on Milk Bank and Donor Milk Coverage
News & Views
Journal Publications

denotes a USBC member organization news item denotes a USBC-affiliated constellation news item

USBC Updates

Announcing USBC Policy Priorities for the 118^th Congressional Session

Senators and Representatives are back on Capitol Hill, marking the start of the 118th Congressional Session. The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee will be doing our part too: connecting with and educating lawmakers as we strive to create policy, systems, and environmental changes that help make breastfeeding easier. The five policy priority areas that we will be working on this congressional session include:

Federal funding for breastfeeding
Infant nutrition security
Access to lactation support and supplies
Workplace protections
Maternity care

To welcome the new Congress, we'll be delivering a letter to every member of the Senate and House of Representatives urging them to prioritize these policy areas this congressional session. We invite and urge all organizations to sign on to our joint letter by Friday, January 27, in order to be included in the initial delivery of the letter. Signers will be added on an ongoing basis after this date.

PUMP Act Explainer Now Available As A Webpage

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, A Better Balance, American Civil Liberties Union, Center for WorkLife Law, National WIC Association, and MomsRising teamed up to develop an explainer document on the PUMP Act titled "The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act: What You Should Know." The explainer provides details on the new law's protections, including who is covered, what protections are available, and what remedies are available if an employer does not comply.

International News

Launch Event for 2023 Lancet Series on Breastfeeding

The World Health Organization, The Lancet, and Children in All Policies are co-hosting the launch of the 2023 Lancet Series on Breastfeeding at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, UK, and via live stream on February 8, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. ET (12:30 p.m. GMT). Richard Horton, Editor in Chief of The Lancet, and a panel of experts will be exploring how the value of breastfeeding is wasted by government and public health, and exploited by the formula milk industry.

National News

Systematic Review on Health Benefits of Breastfeeding in Infants and Children

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Evidence-based Practice Center released the proposed key questions for the Health Benefits of Breastfeeding in Infants and Children Systematic Review. AHRQ will conduct an evidence-based review based on these questions to examine the morbidity and mortality associated with breastfeeding, including infectious and chronic disease outcomes in infants and children in developed countries. A new report will also inform CDC’s program development activities related to this topic. Individuals and organizations are invited to submit comments on the proposed key questions through Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

Military Parental Leave Expanded As Part Of NDAA

The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA) (H.R. 7776) was signed into law by the President in December 2022. The NDAA included provisions from the Military Moms Matter Act, which provides a total of twelve weeks of paid parental leave during the one-year period after the birth or adoption of a child, or the placement of a child for long-term foster care. Service members already had access to paid parental leave, but the amount of leave has varied from Service to Service. Congress has addressed those inequities and standardized paid parental leave across the Services and made the benefit consistent with those offered by civilian employers. Read the memo from the Secretary of Defense. Media highlights include:

Military.com: "12-Week Military Parental Leave Benefit Will Be in Place by January"
My Military Benefits: "The FY2022 NDAA Brings 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave"

Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities Brainstorming Session

Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities is hosting an informal brainstorming session virtually on Monday, January 30, at 3 p.m. ET. The session will include discussion on how to work with unsupportive systems to create institutional momentum around policies and systems to protect first food equity.

Request for Information on Eliminating Disparities Through Healthy Start

The Health Resources and Services Administration, Division of Healthy Start issued a Request for Information titled "Healthy Start Initiative: Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health." HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Division of Healthy Start and Perinatal Services, is seeking the perspectives of Healthy Start grantees, community members, people with lived experience, health care providers, community health workers, birthing people, parents, and other members of the public to inform future Healthy Start program development. The Healthy Start Initiative is a community-based program dedicated to reducing disparities in maternal and infant health. The Healthy Start program implements community-based interventions to improve the health of mothers and children, including breastfeeding education. The deadline to submit comments is Friday, February 3, 2023.

Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap

The Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Impact Center released the "2022 Prenatal-3 State Policy Roadmap." The resource provides guidance to state leaders on the most effective investments states can make to ensure all children thrive from the start. The roadmap provides detailed information on five effective policies and six effective strategies that foster the nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and that reduce longstanding disparities in access and outcomes among racial and ethnic groups and socioeconomic statuses. The roadmap provides a summary of the progress that states have made over the last year toward full and equitable implementation of the 11 effective policies and strategies, including paid family leave. The roadmap also includes demographic characteristics of infants and toddlers across the U.S., and for each state, as well as a set of 20 outcome measures that illustrate how the well-being of children and families varies across states.

Webinar on Adverse Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Breastfeeding

The Michigan Breastfeeding Network is hosting a Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar titled, "Adverse Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse on the Breastfeeding Dyad." The presentation will explore how a history of childhood sexual abuse impacts mental health, the breastfeeding journey, and the parenting experience. Continuing education is available through January 16, 2024.

Guide to Workplace Leave Laws

The Center for American Progress published "A Guide to Workplace Leave Laws in the United States." The fact sheet series explains the three main kinds of laws that offer Americans rights when they need time off for health or caregiving needs: unpaid family and medical leave, paid sick time, and paid family and medical leave.

Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement 28-Day Anti-Racism Challenge

The Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement (PQI) is hosting a 28-day Anti-Racism Challenge that begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. PQI created a list of daily activities that are designed to enhance reflection and learning while providing tools to support anti-racism efforts. This is a free national opportunity to reflect, learn and act.

State & Community News

New Nebraska Bills on Milk Bank and Donor Milk Coverage

Nebraska State Senator Carol Blood proposed a new legislative bill (L-B-12) that would establish a state-run human breast milk bank in Nebraska. Senator Blood also proposed a bill (L-B-13) that would require the Medical Assistance Act to cover the cost of obtaining breast milk. Currently there are no milk banks in the state of Nebraska, making it challenging for families to access donor breast milk. Media highlights include:

KETV: "New proposed legislation could create breast milk bank in Nebraska"

News & Views

Hanscom Air Force Base: "Brown Building now home to new lactation pod"

Journal Publications

Journal of Human Lactation: "Housing Insecurity, Housing Conditions, and Breastfeeding Behaviors for Medicaid-Eligible Families in Urban Settings"

Scientific Reports: "Residential green environments are associated with human milk oligosaccharide diversity and composition"

Weekly Wire: PUMP Act Explainer, Sign-On Letter Urging Congress to Prioritize Breastfeeding, & more

1/13/2023

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act: What You Should Know
- Take Action: USBC Sign-On Letter Urging Congress to Prioritize Breastfeeding
- Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Budget Analysis
- Reminder: Monday 1/16 Deadline for Call for Speakers for USBC Conference
National News
- HRSA Webinar on Women's Preventative Services
- Clinical Lactation Milk Expression & Pumps Special Issue: Call for Manuscripts
State & Community News
- Florida Lactation Spaces in County Courthouses Legislation
News & Views
- PUMP ACT & PWFA News & Views
Journal Publications

denotes a USBC member organization news item denotes a USBC-affiliated constellation news item

USBC Updates

The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act: What You Should Know

Take Action: USBC Sign-On Letter Urging Congress to Prioritize Breastfeeding

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee released an organizational sign-on letter welcoming the new Congress and urging them to prioritize breastfeeding during the 118th Congressional Session. Specifically, the letter calls on Congress to advance five policy priorities identified by the USBC and membership:
•   Federal funding for breastfeeding
•   Infant nutrition security
•   Access to lactation support & supplies
•   Workplace protections
•   Maternity care

The letter will be delivered to all Senators and Representatives as part of the USBC Welcome Congress campaign. Coming off of the important legislative wins of the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, we hope to have a strong showing of support as we step into this Congressional session! The sign on deadline for organizations to be included in the initial delivery of the letter is Friday, January 27. Additional signatures will be added on a rolling basis.

Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Budget Analysis

The USBC published a blog titled "FY23 Federal Budget Signed Into Law: What It Means for Infant Feeding," and updated the "Federal Appropriations for Breastfeeding" webpage. The Senate and House passed and the President signed the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus spending package into law. The package contains all twelve appropriations bills which include a variety of funding provisions that impact breastfeeding and lactation, as well the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The USBC blog and webpage provide a detailed analysis of the spending package and what it means for the lactation field and the families we serve. Highlights include:

$9.75M for the CDC Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program, level funding from the previous fiscal year
$90M for the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, level funding from the previous fiscal year
$1.25M for an analysis of the macroeconomic, health, and social costs of U.S. breastfeeding rates and national breastfeeding goals

Reminder: 1/16 Deadline for Call for Speakers at the 2023 USBC Conference

The 2023 National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening (NBCC) will be held on Friday, June 9, and Saturday, June 10, 2023, and will take place in person in Bethesda, MD. We will host a pre-conference workshop day on June 8. The 2023 conference theme, Expanding Connections and Partnering for Progress, speaks to the importance of developing relationships and aligning efforts within and beyond the lactation community to amplify our impact and unlock solutions for a better tomorrow for mothers and lactating parents.

Innovative content and expert speakers that are interested in leading dynamic main-stage sessions are invited to complete the 2023 NBCC Plenary Speaker Interest Form. We seek thought leaders, storytellers, motivators, organizers, trainers, and partner organizations with applied experience engaging in:

Bridging gaps between local and state policies and initiatives to optimize breastfeeding support for priority populations
Building sustainable partnerships and aligning efforts within the First Food field
Building relationships with partners outside the First Food field
Developing/using tools for strategic and impactful communication to promote and bolster support for breastfeeding/human milk feeding
Building organizational sustainability, including acquiring and maintaining financial support
Transforming organizational culture to reflect the diversity, equity, and inclusion principles that lead to justice and belonging

Speakers will be paid an honorarium. If you have expertise or practical experience related to the learning goals, please complete the 2023 NBCC Plenary Speaker Interest Form by 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday, January 16, 2023.

National News

HRSA Webinar on Women's Preventative Services

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), are hosting a webinar titled "Women's Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI) Overview," on Tuesday, January 24, from 3-4:30 p.m. ET. This is an opportunity to learn about the Women's Preventive Services Guidelines, which include breastfeeding services and supplies; HRSA's cooperative agreement with ACOG to develop, review, and update recommendations for women's preventive healthcare services; and opportunities to support the implementation of the current recommendations into standard clinical practice. To learn more about current WPSI recommendations around comprehensive lactation support services, visit the HRSA website.

Clinical Lactation Milk Expression & Pumps Special Issue: Call for Manuscripts

Clinical Lactation, the official journal of the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA), is planning a special issue focusing on the expression of human milk and pumps. This special issue will provide education, research, and shared experiences on the topic to strengthen the conversation and improve the client experience. The journal issued a call for manuscripts, inviting submissions of articles on new research or case studies that address social, policy-related, or logistical considerations for parents. Special consideration will be given to articles that focus on the unique aspects of the US-specific healthcare system as this is the locale of the primary readership. The deadline to submit is July 15, 2023. The Clinical Lactation website offers submission resources.

State & Community News

Florida Lactation Spaces in County Courthouses Legislation

Florida Senator Lori Berman (D-Boca Raton) and Representative Ashley Gantt (D-Miami) filed joint legislation to create a lactation space for nursing mothers in all county courthouses. The Florida House (HB 87) and Senate (SB 144) bills would require all Florida courthouses to have a private, clean and accessible lactation space for mothers to nurse or pump breastmilk. The space would need to be available for all courthouse patrons, including attorneys, jurors, and courthouse staff. Media highlights include: