Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - NASEM Breastfeeding in the United States Report & 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.

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Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - NASEM Breastfeeding in the United States Report & more

9/12/2025

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- USBC Submits Comment to FDA on Operation Stork Speed
Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month
National News
- Updated CDC Early Childhood Nutrition Report 2025
- NASEM Breastfeeding in the United States Report
- HMA Report on Medicaid Coverage of Breastfeeding
- MAHA Strategy Report Includes Breastfeeding Commitments
- Report on Closing the Black Maternal-Health Gap
- Oxfam Best States for Working Women Index
Action Opportunities
Upcoming Events
News & Views
Journal Publications

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

USBC Updates

USBC Submits Comment to FDA on Operation Stork Speed

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted a comment to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to the request for information regarding Infant Formula Nutrient Requirements. The FDA is requesting information to begin the nutrient review process for infant formula as part of Operation Stork Speed, to continue to ensure the nutritional adequacy of infant formula sold in the United States. The USBC comment urges the FDA to anchor its review of infant formula nutrient requirements in the established evidence that human milk is the biological norm and optimal source of infant nutrition, and to provide families with clear, accurate, and transparent information about infant formula, free from misleading marketing.

Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month

It's National Breastfeeding Month! The 2025 NBM theme is Forward Together. The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and the lactation field are busy preparing activities, events, and celebrations. Join us as we take the time in August (and beyond!) for action, education, and celebration of our collective efforts. Share your organization's plans with us so we can amplify your work in the Weekly Wire and on social media, shop the USBC Store for official NBM merch, and make a donation to help support important campaigns like this one. Highlights from the field include:

DC Breastfeeding Collective: The DC Breastfeeding Collective released a virtual activities schedule for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week, spotlighting a series of online activities and events taking place during the observance. The first Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week will take place this year from September 16 through September 22.

NBM News & Views

Calexico Chronicle: "WIC Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week with Resource Fair"

United States Lactation Consultant Association: "Celebrating AANHPI Breastfeeding Week: A NICU Lactation Consultant’s Perspective on Inclusive Care"

National News

Updated CDC Early Childhood Nutrition Report 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an updated version of the Early Childhood Nutrition Report, 2025. The update replaced data on four breastfeeding indicators among children born in 2021 with the newest available data from children born in 2022, from the National Immunization Survey-Child. The CDC's Nutrition Resources webpage includes both the 2025 Early Childhood Nutrition Report National Summary and State Reports.

NASEM Breastfeeding in the United States Report

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released the "Breastfeeding in the United States: Strategies to Support Families and Achieve National Goals" Consensus Study Report. The report provides a roadmap for helping families meet their breastfeeding goals and improving population-level outcomes. It emphasizes the need for strong federal coordination, comprehensive health care and community-based support, and inclusive public policies. Using a life course perspective, the report identifies key intervention points that begin before birth and continue through the return to work or school. Read the NASEM news release and join the Report Release Webinar today at 4 p.m. ET.

HMA Report on Medicaid Coverage of Breastfeeding

The Health Management Associates (HMA) released a report, "Medicaid Coverage of Breastfeeding Support and Supplies." In the report, HMA provides a comprehensive landscape analysis of Medicaid breastfeeding services in six states, focusing on lactation support and breast pump access. The findings reveal ongoing challenges and successful strategies, with recommendations aimed at advancing equitable care for all families.

MAHA Strategy Report Includes Breastfeeding Commitments

The Make America Healthy Again Commission released the "Make Our Children Healthy Again" Strategy Report. The strategy document outlines a strategic approach for executive actions to address the childhood chronic disease crisis through advancing research, realigning incentives, increasing public awareness, and fostering private sector collaborations.

USBC Insight: The MAHA Strategy Report includes commitments to increase breastfeeding rates and to work with federal partners to promote and ensure a safe supply of donor human milk. As federal agencies refine implementation plans, the USBC will be monitoring closely to ensure that breastfeeding initiatives remain supported and adequately funded.

Report on Closing the Black Maternal-Health Gap

The McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility released a report, "Closing the Black maternal-health gap: Healthier lives, stronger economies." The report examines urgent and preventable disparities in Black maternal health, which, if reduced, would strengthen families, improve community health, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic vitality.

Oxfam Best States for Working Women Index

Oxfam released the "Best States for Working Women Index," shining a light on the best and worst states for working women in 2025. The index is based on state policies in three dimensions, including worker protection policies, which include policies affecting quality of life for working women, especially mothers. Among these policies is paid pumping breaks for breastfeeding workers and paid family and sick leave.