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    • Join USBC
    • Membership FAQs
    • Membership Categories
    • Membership Fee Schedules
    • Membership Interest Form
    • Creating Space Scholarship
  • Policy & Actions
    • Active Legislation
    • Federal Appropriations for Breastfeeding
    • Federal Policies, Programs, & Initiatives
    • PUMP Act >
      • The PUMP Act Explained
    • Take Action
    • Letters & Public Comments
  • Resources
    • USBC Directories >
      • USBC Member Directory
      • Affiliated Coalitions Directory
      • Equity Champions Directory
    • Constellation Developed Resources
    • Breastfeeding In Emergencies
    • Infant Formula Recall and Shortage
    • Lactation Support Provider Training Directory
    • Learning Opportunities
    • Monthly Observances >
      • Black History Month
      • Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
      • LGBTQIA+ Resources and Pride Month
      • National Breastfeeding Month
      • Hispanic Heritage Month
      • Native American Heritage Month
      • Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month
    • Image Gallery Access
    • State Breastfeeding Reports
    • Workplace Guide
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    • Constellation Work Groups >
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Weekly Wire Archive

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The WW goes on hiatus several times a year: the weeks of the Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year's holidays, the weeks before the Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day holidays, and the weeks of the USBC membership meetings.

Weekly Wire: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Week of Action, Updated WHO Recommendations, and more

11/18/2022

 

In this issue:

  • USBC Updates
    • Join the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Week of Action
    • New USBC Members: Indigenous Firstfeeding Coalition of Colorado and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Breastfeeding Coalition
    • New Racial Equity 101 Training Series
    • Best Wishes to Sarah!
    • Weekly Wire Hiatus & USBC Office Closure
  • International News
    • New WHO Recommendations for Care of Preterm & Low Birthweight Infants 
  • National News
    • Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act Passes Out of Committee
    • AHRQ Systematic Review of Postpartum Care
    • Social Determinants of Health for Babies Report
    • March of Dimes 2022 Report Card
    • Webcast on Tackling Breastfeeding Disparities Through Community & Hospital-Based Approaches
    • Community Milk Sharing Webinar
  • State & Community News
    • Online Resource Hub on Lactation Rights of California Workers
    • PSA on Breastfeeding Helpline in California County
  • Funding Opportunities
  • News & Views
  • Journal Publications

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


USBC Updates

Join the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Week of Action

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Week of Action is happening now! More than 50 organizations, including the USBC, are sponsoring this event to call on Senate leadership to bring the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to the Senate floor for a vote ASAP. Far too often, pregnant workers are denied the simple accommodations they need to continue working. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would change this by ensuring that workers have access to accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, including lactation. This legislation has passed the House of Representatives and has the bipartisan support it needs to pass the Senate, but leadership has not scheduled a vote. We need to get this done before the end of the year when the Congressional session ends! Join us by taking action:

  • Email your Senators to urge them to take action on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
  • Call Senator Schumer to ask him to bring the bill to the Senate floor. Calling is easy! Simply dial (202) 224-6542 and leave a message with the front desk or ask to speak to the staffer who works on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. You can read from the script below or speak from the heart to let Senator Schumer know that this is important:
    • I am calling as a concerned member of the public to urge you to bring the bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to the Senate floor for a vote before it's too late. Babies and families are counting on you. 
  • Call your Senators to ask them to urge Senator Schumer to bring Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to the Senate floor. Text PWFA to 747464 and MomsRising will connect you to your Senator's office and provide instructions.
  • View the PWFA Week of Action Toolkit for talking points, graphics, and sample social media posts. Join the conversation at hashtag #ProtectPregnantWorkers.

New USBC Members: Indigenous Firstfeeding Coalition of Colorado and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Breastfeeding Coalition

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is pleased to welcome two new coalitions to the USBC membership! The Indigenous Firstfeeding Coalition of Colorado was established to improve significantly low lactation rates in Indigenous communities due to generational and historical trauma. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Breastfeeding Coalition comes to the USBC with a mission of protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in the Indigenous community through education and advocacy. The USBC warmly welcomes both coalitions to the membership community!

New Racial Equity Training Series

The USBC launched a Racial Equity 101 on-demand webinar series. The series includes three previously-recorded webinars that begin to lay the foundation for an understanding of the principles of racial equity. They are not exhaustive, as the work is ongoing for each of us as individuals and as organizations. You are welcome to view them at your convenience and return to them as you continue reflecting and processing the information. Complete the registration form to access the series. 

Best Wishes to Sarah!

The USBC team would like to express our sincere gratitude for the work and service of Sarah Walz as she steps away from the organization. Sarah has provided valued service to the USBC for the past eight years as a key member of the Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire newsletter team, managing the USBC social media channels, developing the state and territorial breastfeeding reports, supporting the annual conference, and a wide range of communication and advocacy efforts, including the annual report. This is Sarah's last week with the USBC. It's been a pleasure to have her as a teammate, and she will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best in her next endeavor!

Weekly Wire Hiatus & USBC Office Closure

The Weekly Wire will be on hiatus next week while USBC staff is out of the office for Thanksgiving break. The USBC offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24, in observance of the holiday. We look forward to connecting when we return!


International News

New WHO Recommendations for Care of Preterm & Low Birthweight Infants 

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a report titled "WHO Recommendations for Care of the Preterm or Low-Birth-Weight Infant." The report introduces 25 care recommendations based on new evidence that can improve the survival, health, and well-being of preterm or low birth weight babies. The recommendations in this guideline are intended to inform the development of national and subnational health policies, clinical protocols, and programmatic guides. The updated guidelines emphasize that premature babies should receive skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and the importance of providing breast milk.


National News

Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act Passes Out of Committee

The Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 8450) advanced out of the House Education and Labor Committee. The bill would reauthorize critical child nutrition programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), school meals, and summer feeding programs. The Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act would authorize and expand the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, authorizing $180M in funding for this program, a $90M increase, to ensure that WIC agencies can support more full-time positions and increase placements outside of clinics. The bill would also provide targeted funding flexibility to ensure that breastfeeding supplies can be purchased with food funds, extend postpartum eligibility for WIC to two years, and extend child eligibility to age six or the beginning of kindergarten. Find additional details about how the Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act would support lactation with the "Child Nutrition Reauthorization: WIC Provisions in the Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act" fact sheet from the National WIC Association.

AHRQ Systematic Review of Postpartum Care

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in partnership with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute posted a draft report titled "Postpartum Care Up To One Year After Pregnancy: A Systematic Review" which is open for comment until Saturday, December 31. The systemic review address two key questions related to the comparative benefits and harms of alternative strategies for postpartum healthcare delivery and extension of postpartum health insurance coverage. The purpose of the review is to inform Clinical Practice Guideline developers, policymakers, and providers of care or support for postpartum individuals.

Social Determinants of Health for Babies Report

In partnership with Child Trends, ZERO TO THREE released a report titled "Using the State of Babies Yearbook 2022 to Illuminate the Social Determinants of Health for Infants and Toddlers." The publication uses the State of Babies Yearbook data to highlight the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) for babies and their families. The report highlights breastfeeding in the context of paid family leave and worker protection policies for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. In addition to the data, the report highlights policy solutions that can bolster health in communities and helps guide state policymakers in constructing "Baby SDOH" for their states. 

March of Dimes 2022 Report Card

The March of Dimes released the "2022 March of Dimes Report Card." The report card presents the state of maternal and infant health in the United States (U.S.), Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. The report card indicates the maternal and infant health crisis is worsening for all families. It continues to examine mom and baby health and the supplemental report presents how states are progressing towards pregnancy and childbirth targets, using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030 objectives. This year, the report card also includes a new section to describe March of Dimes organizational programmatic initiatives and advocacy efforts happening in each state to improve the health of moms, babies, and families. The report highlights support for breastfeeding in the context of access to doula support services and paid family leave systems.

Webcast on Tackling Breastfeeding Disparities Through Community & Hospital-Based Approaches

The University of Albany School of Public Health is hosting a webcast titled "Addressing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Breastfeeding Through Community and Hospital-Based Approaches" on Wednesday, December 14, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. ET. This Breastfeeding Ground Rounds webcast will summarize trends in disparities in breastfeeding measures, identify contributing factors, describe successful initiatives to increase breastfeeding and reduce disparities, and discuss examples of steps being taken to implement these strategies in New York. 

 Community Milk Sharing Webinar

The California Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting a webinar titled "Community Milk Sharing: What You Need to Know About Giving and Receiving Liquid Gold" on Tuesday, December 6, at 12 p.m. PT. The event will provide information about the historical tradition of community milk sharing, wet nursing, and Black history and breastfeeding. The webinar will feature a panel of milk donors and milk recipients who will share their personal experiences.


State & Community News

Online Resource Hub on Lactation Rights of California Workers

The California Work and Family Coalition launched an online Resource Hub. The goal of the Resource Hub is to provide resources and information to help California workers understand and navigate their rights. It provides a central access point for information and resources on paid leave and lactation rights for California workers.

PSA on Breastfeeding Helpline in California County

Riverside County Public Health Department in California released a promotional video for its Loving Support Breastfeeding Helpline. The helpline is run by English and Spanish-speaking certified lactation specialists and Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants that provide 24/7 breastfeeding support to local residents. More information about the helpline and accessing support in Riverside County can be found on the Riverside University Health System website.


Funding Opportunities

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Implementation Science to Advance Maternal Health and Maternal Health Equity for the IMPROVE initiative. Deadline: February 6, 2023.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Evidence for Action: Innovative Research to Advance Racial Equity. Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Rhode Island Foundation: Racial Equity and Social Justice Grants. Deadline: December 6, 2022.


News & Views

 Baby-Friendly USA blog post: "Cape Cod Hospital Perseveres to Achieve Baby-Friendly Designation"

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services blog post: "The Path Forward: Improving Data to Advance Health Equity Solutions"

KBIA: "After Black infant mortality surged in Kansas, birth workers jumped into action"

Motherly: "Does breastfeeding protect against RSV? Yes, studies show"


Journal Publications

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education: "A Call to Action for Lactation Support at Colleges of Pharmacy"

JAMA Network: "Hospital Rankings and Health Equity"

Weekly Wire: Welcome New USBC Members, New Story Tool Debuts, & more

11/11/2022

 

In this issue:

  • USBC Updates
    • New USBC Members: Native Breastfeeding Coalition of Wisconsin and Navajo Breastfeeding Coalition
    • Call for Stories: Why Is This Work Important to You? 
  • National News
    • Policy Brief on Economics of Infant Feeding in U.S.
    • Webpage on the Rights of Pregnant, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding Workers
    • Updated DOLWebpage on Rights of Nursing Employees
    • Secretary's Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality Meeting in December
    • Congressional Briefing on State of Obesity Report
    • Digital Training on Preventing Racial Bias in Perinatal Care
  • Funding Opportunities
  • News & Views
  • Journal Publications

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


USBC Updates

New USBC Members: Native Breastfeeding Coalition of Wisconsin and Navajo Breastfeeding Coalition

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is pleased to welcome two new coalitions to the USBC membership! The Native Breastfeeding Coalition of Wisconsin works to encourage the traditional practice of breastfeeding to improve the lives of women, babies, and families for generations to come. The coalition serves the vision that Native Communities support breast milk as the first food to nourish the mind, body, and spirit.

The Navajo Breastfeeding Coalition comes to the USBC membership with a mission of improving the health of Navajo families by providing compassionate, unbiased, and accessible care to birthing families through holistic traditional practices that promote healing. The USBC warmly welcomes both coalitions to the membership community!

Call for Stories: Why Is This Work Important to You? 

The USBC has published a new story collector tool asking just two questions about your passion for breastfeeding, human milk, and the policies and practices that protect, promote, and support them. Stories are the fuel that keep us working for real change that families need, and stories help us educate lawmakers about policies that can make a difference. Personal stories allow us to keep a pulse on the needs of today's families, and they serve as a powerful tool to inspire action across all sectors. The easy tool invites you, your network, and the families you serve to tell us about your passion for breastfeeding, be it personally, professionally, or politically (meaning, how can policies help?)! We know that breastfeeding and human milk feeding mean unique things to everyone. We are interested in learning about what fuels you! Please take a moment to share your "why" today!


National News

Policy Brief on Economics of Infant Feeding in U.S.

EconoFact released a policy brief titled "Economics of Infant Feeding in the U.S." The publication examines the full scope of economic tradeoffs families in the U.S. face when deciding how to best ensure the nutritional health of their infant. The brief notes that while the nutritional value of breast milk is high and mothers seem to have internalized the "breast is best" mantra, this recommendation is wildly in conflict with policy support available for mothers (and, families more broadly), and also not aligned with industry drivers for the production and marketing of infant formula. 

Webpage on the Rights of Pregnant, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding Workers

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Delaware released a know your rights webpage titled "Pregnant, Post-Partum and Breastfeeding Workers." The webpage answers common questions workers have about pregnancy accommodations, the right to express milk at work, and harassment related to pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as information about where to seek help.

Updated DOL Webpage on Rights of Nursing Employees

The Department of Labor released an informational webpage on the rights of nursing employees. The webpage highlights protections available under the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, which protects the right to take breaks at work to express milk, and includes resources and sources of help for employees with questions. The webpage is part of the worker.gov website, a one-stop resource center to help workers understand their rights and access resources at the Department of Labor.

Secretary's Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality Meeting in December

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that the next meeting of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Infant and Maternal Mortality (ACIMM) will be held on Wednesday, December 7, from 11-6 p.m. ET. The ACIMM advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services on department activities, partnerships, policies, and programs directed at reducing infant mortality, maternal mortality, and severe maternal morbidity and improving the health status of infants and women before, during, and after pregnancy. The agenda for the meeting is being finalized and will be posted on the ACIMM webpage.

Congressional Briefing on State of Obesity Report

Trust for America's Health is hosting a national webinar titled "State of Obesity 2022: Better Policies for a Healthier America Congressional Briefing" on Wednesday, November 30, at 1:30 p.m. ET. The briefing will explore findings from the latest TFAH report. Speakers will cover the latest data on obesity and its impacts, highlight promising approaches to ensure healthier communities, and offer policy recommendations that can help all Americans lead healthier lives. The State of Obesity report highlights breastfeeding programs' role in addressing obesity, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, and other programs through the CDC Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding funding line.

Digital Training on Preventing Racial Bias in Perinatal Care

Diversity Science released an on-demand complimentary course for individuals titled "Dignity in Pregnancy & Childbirth: Preventing Racial Bias in Perinatal Care." The course uses real-life, composite stories to illustrate the way racial bias, however unintended, can undermine perinatal care. It also provides specific, concrete, evidence-based strategies for interrupting racial bias. The course is also available for organizations.


Funding Opportunities

Urban Indian Health Institute: "Community Grants Program: Sweetgrass." Application deadline: Monday, November 21.


News & Views

CDC Foundation press release: "Three Public Health Organizations Receive 2022 Fries Prize for Improving Health for Protecting the Health of Americans"

 CHEER press release: "CHEER moves forward with new Bower grant"

DOL news release: "Court orders Mesa Air Group to change company policy to make sure flight attendants, pilots can exercise rights to family, medical leave"

Global F&V Newsletter (editorial): "WIC Program : almost 50 years of promoting the health of low-income families"

The Hill: "Lawmakers push to end maternal health crisis"

 LER blog post: "When Breastfeeding Fails: 10 Ways You Can Help"

Parents Together: "Nursing mothers file class action lawsuit in New York — know your rights to pump at the workplace"

The Tribune: "BNBA wants govt to ensure the rights of breastfeeding mothers while on the job"


Journal Publications

BMJ Global Health: "Digital marketing of formula and baby food negatively influences breast feeding and complementary feeding: a cross-sectional study and video recording of parental exposure in Mexico"

Nature: "No infectious SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk from a cohort of 110 lactating women"

Weekly Wire: USBC Blog Post on CDC Breastfeeding Report, Special AJPH Issue on First 1,000 Days, and more

11/4/2022

 

In this issue:

  • USBC Updates
    • USBC Membership Meeting Recap
    • USBC Blog Post on CDC Breastfeeding Report Card
    • A Call to Action for Breastfeeding Coalitions
    • USBC Learning Opportunities Page Updated: USBC Webinar Recordings Available
    • November is Native American Heritage Month!
    • USBC Supports...
  • National News
    • Special Publication Series on Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days Released
    • Invitation to Contribute to Breastfeeding Stories Publication
    • ASTHO Brief on Breastfeeding & Maternal Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
    • U.S. Surgeon General Publishes Framework for Workplace Mental Health
  • State & Community News
    • UC San Diego Launches Human Milk Institute
    • City of Chicago Announces 12-Weeks Paid Parental Leave for City Employees
    • Indiana Hospital Lactation Survey
    • Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition Education & Membership Meeting
  • News & Views
  • Journal Publications

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


USBC Updates

USBC Membership Meeting Recap

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee hosted the Fall 2022 Membership Meeting on Thursday, October 20. During the meeting, representatives from USBC member organizations heard updates from federal partners and were onboarded to the new USBC First Food Connection Hub, a platform for networking, collaboration, peer sharing, and learning. At the opening of the meeting, USBC Membership Engagement Committee member and Executive Director of the New Mexico Breastfeeding Taskforce, Monica Esparza, delivered the "Mission Moment." Read more about the meeting in our new blog post, "The USBC Membership Steps Into a New Opportunity for Connection: Launching the First Food Connection Hub & Taking a Mission Moment with Monica Esparza." All organizations with a commitment to the USBC mission are invited to complete the USBC Membership Interest Form.  

USBC Blog Post on CDC Breastfeeding Report Card

This summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the 2022 Breastfeeding Report Card. The report brings together critical data on national, state, and territorial breastfeeding practices, as well as the environmental factors that are proven to impact breastfeeding outcomes. The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee published a blog post, "A Closer Look at the 2022 CDC Breastfeeding Report Card," in which our USBC Public Health Writing Specialist takes a closer look at key findings from the report, including two new indicators on paid leave and early care and education regulations.

A Call to Action for Breastfeeding Coalitions: Be Included in Your State's Report!

Every other year, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee publishes a breastfeeding report for every state and territory. These reports include breastfeeding rates, federally funded lactation projects, and active breastfeeding coalitions in that state/territory. The USBC is currently working on updating these reports for publication in 2023. All breastfeeding coalitions listed in our directory will be included in this year's report. If your coalition would like to be included this year, please submit the prospective membership form by Friday, November 18. Review your state's report from prior years to learn more about this effort. 

USBC Learning Opportunities Page Updated: USBC Webinar Recordings Available

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee updated the Learning Opportunities webpage. The page now features a curated collection of recent USBC webinars, including October's diversity, equity, and inclusion webinar titled, "Racism and the Colonial Roots of Gendered Language in Public Health and Biomedicine," with Dr. Aunchalee Palmquist.

November is Native American Heritage Month!

Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) is here! The month honors the rich diversity of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian cultures, traditions, and languages, recognizes the histories and continuing invaluable contributions of its people, and focuses on how heritage intersects with health. By working together to raise awareness of health disparities and providing a platform for national American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian health organizations to discuss challenges and opportunities, we can all help move communities toward health equity. To explore breastfeeding resources on Native American Heritage Month, visit the USBC "November Is Native American Heritage Month" webpage. To help us amplify your resources in celebration of NAHM, please submit relevant resources that can be shared on the USBC website and social media channels.

USBC Supports...

The USBC joined the following joint letter from the field:

 National WIC Association: Letter to congressional leadership in support of WIC priorities


National News

 Special Publication Series on Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days Released

The American Journal of Public Health, in partnership with 1,000 Days, released a special issue titled "Nutrition in the First 1000 Days." The collection of articles presents the state of science, research needs, and policy agenda for optimal maternal and child nutrition in the United States. The importance of breastfeeding in the first 1,000 days is highlighted throughout many of the articles in the series. Several articles specifically explore the role of lactation in achieving optimal child nutrition, including:

  • "Barriers to Providing Lactation Services and Support to Families in Appalachia: A Mixed-Methods Study With Lactation Professionals and Supporters"
  • "Breast Milk Feeding of Infants at Birth Among People With Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy"
  • "What Will It Take to Improve Breastfeeding Outcomes in the United States Without Leaving Anyone Behind?"

 Invitation to Contribute Stories to LLLI Publication

La Leche League International (LLLI) is developing the 9th edition of its core publication, "The Art of Breastfeeding." La Leche League International aims to ensure the book reflects the experiences and wisdom of mothers and parents around the world and invites them to share their stories for use in the book. View the 8th edition of the publication.

ASTHO Brief on Breastfeeding & Maternal Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) published a brief titled "Supporting Breastfeeding and Maternal Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic." The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted perinatal mental health and breastfeeding through disruptions in care and increased exposure to stressors. In this report, ASTHO emphasizes the role of breastfeeding as a protective factor for maternal mental health, highlights state and local community efforts to support breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic, and proposes recommendations for states to strengthen support for maternal health needs.

U.S. Surgeon General Publishes Framework for Workplace Mental Health

The Office of the U.S. Surgeon General published a Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being, in which workplace well-being is framed as an economic and public health priority. The framework identifies five essential characteristics of healthy workplaces. The third essential characteristic proposes increasing access to paid leave, including paid parental leave. The benefits of paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave are highlighted in the framework.


State & Community News

UC San Diego Launches Human Milk Institute

The University of California San Diego launched the new Human Milk Institute (HMI), an epicenter of data and expertise in human milk that was designed to inform areas across research, education, clinical care, and global public health. Media highlights include:

  • UC San Diego Today: "UC San Diego Launches New Human Milk Institute"

City of Chicago Announces 12-Weeks Paid Parental Leave for City Employees

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently announced the agreement to expand the City of Chicago's paid parental leave policy, which will be effective January 1, 2023. Under the new policy, all City employees will receive up to twelve weeks of paid parental leave regardless of whether they are the birthing or non-birthing parent. With this expansion, Chicago becomes one of the largest cities in the country to have a paid family leave policy. Media highlights include:

  • Block Club Chicago: "City Employees In Chicago Will Get 12 Weeks Of Fully Paid Parental Leave In 2023"
  • WTTW: "City of Chicago to Offer Workers 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave"

 Indiana Hospital Lactation Survey

The Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition (IBC), in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health, is conducting the Indiana Hospital Lactation Survey. IBC is surveying all delivering hospitals and birth centers in Indiana to collect information regarding lactation support across the state. IBC plans to create an asset map of this data that parents and healthcare providers can access at no charge to help them connect with professional lactation support.

 Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition Education & Membership Meeting

The Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting its Membership Meeting virtually, on Wednesday, November 9, at 6 p.m. ET. The "Lactation After Loss" session will offer evidence-based information for allied health professionals to enhance their counseling and clinical skills when supporting lactating parents who have suffered infant loss. Continuing education credits will be provided. The online meeting is free, but pre-registration is required.


News & Views

HHS press release: "Biden-Harris Administration Announces More than Half of All States Have Expanded Access to 12 Months of Medicaid and CHIP Postpartum Coverage"

National Partnership for Women and Families blog post: "Scary Stats 2022: 'Halloween Ends' but Pregnancy Discrimination Continues"


Journal Publications

Breastfeeding Medicine: "Lactation Support for People Who Are Incarcerated: A Systematic Review"

Children: "Impact of Donor Human Milk in an Urban NICU Population"

Journal of Perinatology: "Achieving healthy people 2030 breastfeeding targets in the United States: challenges and opportunities"

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