Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - Join our Year-End Movement, Michigan Black Birthworker Directory & More

The USBC e-Newsletter, Staying Abreast, is published in a weekly news brief format, called the Weekly Wire (WW). Past issues are archived below.

Subscribe: visit the signup page
Submit: visit the submission form

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.

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.

Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - Join our Year-End Movement, Michigan Black Birthworker Directory & More

11/7/2025

Weekly Wire: November 7, 2025

The Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire e-Newsletter is a compendium of news, actions, and resources considered to be of interest or relevance to the breastfeeding field. The newsletter aims to support the USBC mission "To drive collaborative efforts for policy and practices that create a landscape of breastfeeding support across the United States." Included items are submitted for consideration or identified by the USBC e-news team via extensive online review. Whenever possible, the newsletter utilizes language directly from the primary source of an item without additional analysis or edits. In some cases, the USBC offers additional perspectives through the "USBC Insights," media and partner highlights, and the "News & Views" section. Inclusion of an item in the e-newsletter does not imply endorsement or support by the USBC of an item or organization, unless specifically noted.

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- Together We Thrive: Join our Year-End Movement
- Action Reminder: Urge Congress to Keep Breastfeeding Programs Funded
National News
- Black Maternal Health Week 2026 Theme Announcement
- A Family Guide to Donor Human Milk
State & Community News
- Michigan Black Birthworker Directory
Action Opportunities
News & Views
Journal Publications

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

USBC Updates

Together We Thrive: Join our Year-End Movement

At the United States Breastfeeding Committee, we believe that when we come together—families, advocates, partners, and supporters—we can create lasting change. With our Together We Thrive year-end fundraising campaign, we’re highlighting the role and power of community in making breastfeeding and human milk feeding support accessible to every family. Every gift to the USBC supports the deep and meaningful work we do, day in and day out, to strengthen the systems that sustain breastfeeding families across the nation. Join us as we move forward together in building access and resilience in lactation support. Make your year-end gift today.

Action Reminder: Urge Congress to Keep Breastfeeding Programs Funded

The federal government shutdown has halted funding for many vital programs—including the Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program at the CDC, the only line item in the federal budget explicitly dedicated to breastfeeding support. This program helps hospitals and communities nationwide implement practices that make breastfeeding possible for more families, advancing infant nutrition security and reducing the need for costlier interventions later. Congress can prevent disruption of local programs by ensuring the Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding line item is included in the next emergency appropriation or continuing resolution. Take action today to urge your Members of Congress to safeguard infant nutrition security.

National News

Black Maternal Health Week 2026 Theme Announcement

Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) announced that the official theme for Black Maternal Health Week 2026 will be Rooted in Justice & Joy. This theme reflects the strength and resilience of Black-led perinatal, maternal, and reproductive health organizations that have cultivated change and healing across communities. It acknowledges the enduring legacies of systemic oppression, reproductive injustices, and health inequities that continue to impact Black mothers, while calling for a liberated future rooted in restoration, justice, and joy. Black Maternal Health Week 2026 will be held from April 11 through April 17, and is BMMA’s annual campaign to raise awareness, inspire action, and build community through amplifying the voices and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people.

A Family Guide to Donor Human Milk

Mothers' Milk Bank of California published "A Family Guide to Donor Human Milk." This publication is designed to help families understand what donor human milk is, when it’s recommended, how it’s screened and processed, and how to access it. The goal of the resource is to support parents, caregivers, and clinicians with clear, evidence-based information that empowers families during what can often be an overwhelming time.

State & Community News

Michigan Black Birthworker Directory

North Star Birthing Services created a new Michigan Black Birthworker Directory, a resource that connects families with Black birth workers across the state. This directory highlights the expertise and care of Black birth workers in Michigan, helping families access the care they need during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.