Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - Breastfeeding References Resource, Early Bird Registration Deadline for 2024 USBC Conference, & more

In this issue:

• USBC Updates
  • New Webpage Compiles Key Breastfeeding References for Advocates and Researchers
  • Four Ways to Take Action for Moms This Mother's Day
  • Early Bird Registration to the 2024 USBC Conference Available For a Limited Time!
  • Inclusive Language in Lactation Toolkit Launch Webinar
  • Join Today's AANHPI Identity Caucus Meeting
  • USBC Supports...
• National News
  • CDC Update on mPINC Survey Data Collection
  • Attorney Guide on Cases Challenging PUMP Act and PWFA
  • Toolkit on Winning State Appropriations Campaigns for Child Health & Development
  • Explainer Documents on Family and Medical Leave Programs
• State & Community News
  • Tennessee Bill Requiring Paid Leave for Public School Teachers Signed Into Law 
  • Maine Bill Exempting Breast Pumps from Sales Tax Introduced
  • Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Act Introduced
  • Rhode Island Parental Family and Medical Leave Act Introduced
  • North Carolina Bill Funding Lactation Consultant Training at HBCUs Introduced
  • Kentucky Bill Requiring Medicaid Coverage of Lactation Support and Supplies Introduced
  • Missouri Bill Requiring Lactation Rooms at Public Universities Introduced
• Action Opportunities
• Funding Opportunities
• Upcoming Events
• News & Views
• Journal Publications

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

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USBC Updates

New Webpage Compiles Key Breastfeeding References for Advocates and Researchers

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee launched the new "Reference Materials for Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change (PSE)" webpage and accompanying downloadable PDF. The webpage features a compilation of resources and reference materials on a range of key topics relevant to the First Food field, including the public health case for breastfeeding, the economic case for breastfeeding, PSE factors impacting human milk feeding, and data and surveillance sources. The resource is meant to serve as a central space to support the lactation field's research, programmatic, and advocacy efforts. Read the "USBC Launches Reference Materials Webpage: A Centralized Hub of Information and Evidence for Breastfeeding Advocates and Researchers" blog for additional information on how this resource can be utilized to advance the field's collective work to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. 

Four Ways to Take Action for Moms This Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a time to honor moms and acknowledge their unwavering support, love, and dedication. At the USBC, we strive for a world where all mothers and parents have the support they need to safely feed and care for their babies. Here are four actions you can take with us this Mother's Day:

1. Ask policymakers to establish a national paid family and medical leave program. 
2. Call on Congress to address the maternal health crisis by passing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus.
3. Donate to the USBC in honor of a mother in your life and support the moms of today and tomorrow! 
   1. Share about your breastfeeding experience to help inform` USBC advocacy efforts.

Early Bird Registration Rates for the USBC Conference Available For a Limited Time!

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is hosting the 2024 National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening online, Monday, June 3, through Wednesday, June 5, from 12 to 5 p.m. ET each day. The theme, Inspiring Change, Embracing Inclusion, and Impacting Communities, guides this year’s selection of learning and networking opportunities. Early bird registration rates are available through Wednesday, May 15. Secure your spot at the conference today! After you register, shop the USBC store for your official conference merch!

Inclusive Language in Lactation Toolkit Launch Webinar

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and the Breastfeeding Public Health Partners (BPHP) are hosting the "Let’s Talk about Inclusion in Lactation: An Equity & Inclusive Language Toolkit" webinar on Monday, June 3, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET. The BPHP recently developed a toolkit aimed at promoting access and equity in the lactation field through inclusive language and other equitable practices, such as the development of functionally inclusive materials. This webinar will celebrate the launch of the Lactation Equity and Inclusive Language Toolkit and discuss the key contents, their practical applications, and relevance to the First Food field. Please note that this event takes place during the 2024 USBC National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening (NBCC) and all NBCC attendees will automatically be registered for this session. Registration for the free webinar is open to non-NBCC attendees.

Join Today's AANHPI Identity Caucus Meeting

The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Identity Caucus is convening for a meeting today, Friday, May 10, at 3 p.m. ET. Identity Caucuses are safe spaces for those within a broad and diverse community to establish and nurture connections with people who have a shared identity. This week’s AANHPI Caucus meeting will focus on reporting on AANHPI Heritage Month activities and discussing plans for AANHPI Breastfeeding Week, which takes place during National Breastfeeding Month in August. If you are interested in participating in this or any other identity caucus, please complete the Identity Caucus Interest Form.

USBC Supports...

Trust for America's Health: Letter Supporting Funding for CDC's Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program in Fiscal Year 2025

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National News

 CDC Update on mPINC Survey Data Collection

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is more than halfway through the data collection period for the 2024 Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey. Battelle, the organization conducting the 2024 mPINC survey on behalf of the CDC, is reaching out to hospital points of contact by phone to confirm that the hospital is eligible to take part. Battelle is still in the process of making these screening phone calls to determine whether a hospital is eligible to complete the survey, and if so, obtain the email address for the best point of contact to email a hospital-specific link to the survey. If your hospital has not heard from Battelle, please send an email to [email protected] with the hospital's full name and address.

Attorney Guide on Cases Challenging PUMP Act and PWFA

A Better Balance released the "Guide for Plaintiffs' Attorneys: Responding to Defendant-Employers' Arguments Regarding the Constitutionality of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act & PUMP Act." A recent Texas federal court's ruling that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) was unconstitutionally enacted affects the rights of Texas state government employees to sue under the PWFA. Private employers are beginning to rely on similar arguments to defend themselves from PWFA claims, as well as claims under the PUMP Act. This guide offers information to support attorneys responding to defendant-employers challenging the constitutionality of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and PUMP Act.

Toolkit on Winning State Appropriations Campaigns for Child Health & Development

The National Collaborative for Toddlers and Infants released a toolkit, "Tools for Winning State Appropriations Campaigns." The resource offers guidance on campaigning for state investments in infant and toddler health and development. It suggests strategies for building a successful campaign, crafting effective communications and messaging, and organizing and mobilizing. The toolkit also includes case studies of successful appropriations campaigns.

Explainer Documents on Family and Medical Leave Programs

New America published two updated paid leave explainers: "Explainer: Paid and Unpaid Leave Policies in the United States," and "Explainer: Paid Leave Benefits and Funding in the United States." The resources feature information on federal and state family and medical leave program purposes, utilization, duration, and coverage. The explainers have been updated to reflect the new paid leave implementation date in Maryland, updated utilization data for New Jersey and Rhode Island, and the newly passed Kentucky law authorizing the sale of private insurance.

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State & Community News

Tennessee Bill Requiring Paid Leave for Public School Teachers Signed Into Law 

Tennessee Governor Lee signed an act related to employment benefits (HB 2697/SB 2655) into law. The new law requires public charter schools to provide educators with six weeks of paid leave after the birth or stillbirth of the educator's child or after the educator's adoption of a newly placed minor child.

Maine Bill Exempting Breast Pumps from Sales Tax Introduced

Maine Senate President Jackson introduced LD 1184. The bill would provide a sales tax exemption for medical equipment and supplies, including breast pumps.

Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Act Introduced

Pennsylvania Senator Robinson introduced the Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Act (Senate Bill 580). The bill would establish a state Family and Medical Leave Program, providing up to twenty weeks of paid leave for employees following the birth, adoption, or placement through foster care, of a new child; to care for their own or a family member's serious health condition; to care for a family member who is a covered service member; or to care for themselves or a family member who are victims of a qualifying act of violence.

Rhode Island Parental Family and Medical Leave Act Introduced

A group of Rhode Island legislators introduced the Rhode Island Parental Family and Medical Leave Act. The bill would amend the current state paid family and medical leave program by increasing the maximum duration of leave for parental or family leave from 13 weeks to 26 weeks.

North Carolina Bill Funding Lactation Consultant Training at HBCUs Introduced

A group of North Carolina senators introduced Senate Bill 840. This bill would appropriate funds to recruit, train, and retain a diverse workforce of lactation consultants in North Carolina at two of the State's Historically Black Colleges and Universities: North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and Johnson C. Smith University. 

Kentucky Bill Requiring Medicaid Coverage of Lactation Support and Supplies Introduced

Kentucky Representative Timoney introduced Kentucky House Bill 734. The bill includes a wide range of provisions related to families and children, including a provision that would require Medicaid coverage for lactation support services and breastfeeding supplies.

Missouri Bill Requiring Lactation Rooms at Public Universities Introduced

Missouri Representative Mann introduced HB 2848. The bill would require that beginning July 1, 2025, all public colleges and universities in Missouri make a sufficient number of lactation rooms available on campus and provide free menstrual products in public restrooms.

USBC Update: Last week's edition of the Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire had the wrong state listed in the title for this news item. Please refer to the corrected information above. 

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Action Opportunities

National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers: "NCIT May All Babies Thrive 2024 Event Submission"

Trust for America's Health: "REACH FY25 Appropriations"

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Funding Opportunities

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "2024 REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Awards for Advancing Health Equity Challenge." Application deadline: Friday, June 21.

Interact for Health: "Local Health Policy." Application deadline: Tuesday, May 13.

The Health Project: "C. Everett Koop - National Health Awards." Application deadline: Friday, May 31.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: "A Cultural Approach to Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC)." Application deadline: Friday, June 28.

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Upcoming Events

Friday, May 10:

•  Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition: "emPOWER Talks: Supporting Breastfeeding Workers"

Monday, May 13:

• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities & Georgetown Center for Children and Families: "Project UP - Unlocking the Potential of WIC and Medicaid to Improve Nutrition and Health"

Tuesday, May 14:

• Center for Health Equity, Education, & Research: "CHAMPS National Webinar: Community Partnerships"

Thursday, May 16:

•  Michigan Breastfeeding Network: "2024 Local Breastfeeding Supporter Meetings" (Recurring meeting)

Friday, May 17:

• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: "Maternal Health Disparities: The Women Behind the Data. A Webinar Series (Webinar 2)"

Wednesday, May 29:

• CommonSpirit: "Nurturing Equity: Understanding Lactation Accommodations and Paid Leave Rights for Home Visitors Supporting Families"

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News & Views

A Better Balance: "Resources Article - Sample Title IX Request Letter For Pregnant, Postpartum, and Lactating Students"

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "How Collecting and Reporting More Detailed Data Can Advance Health Equity for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian American Communities"

National Education Association: "Legal and Employment Guidance - The PUMP Act and PWFA"

New England Biz Law Update: "DOL offers industry-specific guidance on PUMP Act compliance"

New York State: "Governor Hochul Highlights Statewide Efforts to Improve Maternal and Infant Health"

NPR: "The CDC says maternal mortality rates in the U.S. got better, after a pandemic spike"

The Everymom: "Paid Family and Medical Leave: What Expectant Parents Should Know"

World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action: "Closing the gap in breastfeeding support: a social justice issue"

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Journal Publications

Bulletin of the World Health Organization: "A proposal to recognize investment in breastfeeding as a carbon offset"

International Breastfeeding Journal: "Teleintervention's effects on breastfeeding in low-income women in high income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis"