Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - National Breastfeeding Conference and Convening Registration Open & 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 - National Breastfeeding Conference and Convening Registration Open & more

10/24/2025

Weekly Wire: October 24, 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
- Announcing the 2026 National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening
- Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Ruth Lawrence
- Action Alert: Urge Congress to Keep Breastfeeding Programs Funded
- Join the USBC Member Network: Open Enrollment Ends October 31
Upcoming Events
News & Views
Journal Publications

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

USBC Updates

Announcing the 2026 National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening

Registration is Open! The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is excited to announce that registration for the 2026 National Breastfeeding Conference and Convening (NBCC) is now open! Reserve your seat today. The 2026 NBCC will take place Wednesday, June 3, through Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bethesda, Maryland! We’ll be reflecting on the past and looking to the future as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the USBC Conference.

Call for Proposals: Do you have a powerful story, groundbreaking project, or big idea that can spark meaningful change in the lactation field? The USBC is seeking dynamic, visionary speakers to lead plenary sessions at the 2026 NBCC. Plenary sessions are the heart of our conference—where we explore the big themes shaping the future of infant feeding security and policy, systems, and environmental change innovations from the grassroots to the treetops. We welcome all proposals that challenge, inspire, and mobilize action. Submit your proposal by Wednesday, December 31.

Marketing & Sponsorship Opportunities: We are also excited to invite you to partner with us at the NBCC through our marketing, sponsorship, and exhibitor opportunities. This is your chance to showcase your organization, connect with attendees, and support our mission in a meaningful way. Learn more on our 2026 Conference Marketing Opportunities webpage.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Ruth Lawrence

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is saddened to announce that Dr. Ruth Lawrence, a founding member of the USBC and fierce advocate for mothers and children in the field of Breastfeeding Medicine, has passed away at the age of 101. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. Her vision helped shape the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and guide our movement towards creating a landscape of breastfeeding support across the United States. We are deeply grateful for her innovation, leadership, and steadfast dedication to this field. Read more about Dr. Lawrence’s life and distinguished career on our blog.

Action Alert: 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.

Join the USBC Member Network: Open Enrollment Ends October 31

Are you part of an organization passionate about advancing breastfeeding policy and practice across the United States? Now is your chance to become part of the nation’s most unified voice for breastfeeding advocacy. Whether you're a national nonprofit, governmental agency, coalition, or community-based organization, we welcome you to explore membership with the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). Here’s how to get started: Complete the USBC Membership Interest Form & Affiliated Coalitions Directory Request Form, the first step in our streamlined application process. Eligible organizations will be invited to submit their full membership application by Friday, October 31.