Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - Policy Priority Survey, Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month, & more

In this issue:

• USBC Updates
  • Policy Priority Survey: Help Inform the USBC Policy Priorities!
  • USBC Presentation to NASEM Committee on Macroeconomics of Breastfeeding, Recording Available
  • Stakeholder Listening Sessions for Indigenous and Native American Individuals to Inform Five-Year Plan
  • Our Milky Way Blog Features Q&A with USBC Staff Member Erin Fortuna
• Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month
• National News
  • CDC Website Overhaul and New Breastfeeding Webpage
  • FNS Issues Notice of Supply Chain Disruption for WIC State Agencies
  • Bill to Exempt Military Families from Deployment Introduced in Senate
  • Bill to Provide Newborn Supply Kits Introduced in House
• State & Community News
  • Illinois Bill Signed Into Law Requiring Lactation Space in Department of Corrections Facilities
• 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

Policy Priority Survey: Help Inform the USBC Policy Priorities!

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee launched the "Policy Priority Survey: Help Us Understand the Most Pressing Needs of Breastfeeding Families." Individuals are invited to take the survey and share their perspectives on the breastfeeding policy issues that most urgently need to be addressed in the upcoming Congressional session. The annual USBC Welcome Congress campaign will take place in early 2025 to educate policymakers on the top five breastfeeding policy priorities. The survey will be open through Monday, September 16.

USBC Presentation to NASEM Committee on Macroeconomics of Breastfeeding, Recording Available

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Committee hosted a public information gathering session to inform the development of the consensus study "Understanding Breastfeeding Promotion, Initiation, and Support Across the United States: An Analysis." The session featured a presentation from USBC Director of Strategic Partnerships Camille Abbe and USBC National Policy Director Cheryl Lebedevitch titled, "Perspectives from the United States Breastfeeding Committee: The Breastfeeding Legal and Professional Landscape." The presentation outlined policies and gaps influencing breastfeeding outcomes and related economic considerations. View the recording.

Stakeholder Listening Sessions for Indigenous and Native American Individuals to Inform Five-Year Plan

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is hosting a series of listening sessions this August with stakeholders to inform the development of a five-year plan to advance infant nutrition security and eliminate breastfeeding disparities, especially those impacting Black and Native American populations. Thank you to all who attended this month's sessions for those who identify as Black or African American. Two remaining sessions will be held for individuals who identify as Indigenous or Native American.

• Option 1: Thursday, August 22, from 9-10:30 p.m. ET/6-7:30 p.m. PT
• Option 2: Tuesday, August 27, from 9-10:30 p.m. ET/6-7:30 p.m. PT

If you identify as Indigenous or Native American, we hope you'll register to join us and share your insights!

Our Milky Way Blog Features Q&A with USBC Staff Member Erin Fortuna

The Healthy Children Project published an Our Milky Way blog post, "Happy World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month!" The blog features a Q&A with USBC Senior Collective Impact Coordinator, Erin Fortuna, detailing her process designing the 2024 National Breastfeeding Month logo, her journey as a breastfeeding mother, and how to get involved in efforts to tackle the barriers to breastfeeding success. 

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Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month

The 2024 National Breastfeeding Month (NBM) theme is Nourish, Sustain, Thrive. Join us as we take 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 the USBC in honor of someone passionate about this cause. Highlights from the field include:

• AANHPI Caucus: 
  • The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee-affiliated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Caucus is hosting a virtual Lactation Community Forum on Friday, August 16, at 4 p.m. ET. During this open panel discussion, AANHPI community members will share their journeys to becoming lactation support professionals. The meeting will provide the opportunity to learn how we can help bridge the gap in lactation resources for AANHPI communities.
• AANHPI Lactation Collaborative: 
  • The AANHPI Lactation Collaborative released a community survey for lactation professionals who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) or work primarily with AANHPI communities in birthing and lactation. Survey responses will help create a resource directory for AANHPI communities and inform future projects focused on increasing access to lactation support and resources for AANHPI birthing people.
  • The AANHPI Lactation Collaborative is hosting the "2024 AANHPI Breastfeeding Week Coloring Contest." Download the coloring pages and upload a photo of your work under the coloring contest post on the observance Facebook page by Saturday, August 31, for a chance to win a prize. 
• Breastfeeding Medicine: In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, Breastfeeding Medicine is offering free access to the journal's most recently published issue through Saturday, August 31.
•  COBA: In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month, the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates (COBA) is hosting the "Equity & Inclusive Language Toolkit Webinar" on Wednesday, August 28, at 1 p.m. ET. This free, one-hour virtual webinar will explore the Breastfeeding Public Health Partners' newly launched Equity & Inclusive Language Toolkit. 
•  GMLC: The Global Military Lactation Community announced the "Military Lactation Celebration" observance will take place from August 22-24 during National Breastfeeding Month. Follow the Global Military Lactation Community Facebook page to get involved and join the conversation. 
•  Healthy Horizons: Healthy Horizons is hosting a free virtual class on Friday, September 6, at 1 p.m. ET that aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and confidence to successfully pump and return to work. The event will share pumping basics, milk storage and handling techniques, tips for creating a comfortable pumping space at work, and how to maintain your milk supply. 
•  LLL USA: Every National Breastfeeding Month, La Leche League USA hosts "Live, Love, Latch!" local and national events that are designed to celebrate breastfeeding and highlight community support. Visit the Live, Love, Latch! webpage to find and join an event taking place near you. Use hashtags #LiveLoveLatch #LiLoLa2024 and #LiveLoveLatch2024 on social media to help connect everyone’s events!
•  NMBTF: The New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force is accepting applications for the "2024 NMBTF Pathway to IBCLC Scholarship Application" through Friday, August 23. This scholarship will award funding and mentorship to lactation-credentialed individuals working to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. 
• Semana de la Lactancia Latina: The Latinx Lactation Collective released the "Semana de la Lactancia Latina Promotion Kit and Activities" toolkit. The toolkit features a series of activities, ideas, and events to participate in to celebrate Semana de la Lactancia Latina/Latinx Breastfeeding Week.
•  USLCA: In Honor of National Breastfeeding Month, the United States Lactation Consultant Association is hosting the "Empowering Your Practice: Policy Updates and Action Opportunities for Lactation Care Providers" webinar on Thursday, August 22, at 1 p.m. ET. Featuring USBC National Policy Director, Cheryl Lebedevitch, the session will explore how policies impact the lactation experience, update lactation care providers on new protections for lactating students and workers, and highlight current opportunities for advancing policies that support breastfeeding families.

Local Events

•  BMBFA: The Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association is hosting the "Annual Black Mothers Breastfeeding Summit & Open House" on Friday, August 30, from 4-7 p.m. ET at the Health Center in Detroit, MI, in celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week.
• DC Breastfeeding Coalition: To celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, the DC Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting this year's "Making Milk Moves" event. Unlike a traditional walk/run/bike race, Making Milk Moves is a virtual event that uses technology and allows you to participate on your own schedule. Register through Saturday, August 31. 
•  GBC: The Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition and the Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition are hosting the "10th annual Express Your SuperPower 5K/10K run/walk" on Saturday, October 5, at the Etowah River Park in Canton, Georgia. All proceeds of the run will support the MedMilk Project to build Georgia’s Milk Bank.
• Roots Community Health:
  • Roots Community Health is hosting the "Let's Tell Your Story: Breastfeeding Journey BBFW24" webinar on Thursday, August 29, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. PT. The virtual event is dedicated to sharing your breastfeeding journey with other mothers, destigmatizing the struggles of breastfeeding, celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week, and supporting breastfeeding in Black communities.
  • Roots Community Health is also hosting the "Black Breastfeeding Week Event" on Saturday, August 31, at the Bible Way Christian Center from 12-5 p.m. PT in San Jose, CA.

Breastfeeding Proclamations

• Colorado: Governor Polis proclaimed August as Colorado Breastfeeding Month in the State of Colorado.
• Cumberland County, NC: The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Month in Cumberland County. 
• Illinois: Governor Pritzker proclaimed August 8-14 as Indigenous Milk Medicine Week in Illinois.
• Pennsylvania: Governor Shapiro proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Month in Pennsylvania.
• Johnson County, KS: The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed August as National Breastfeeding Month in Johnson County, Kansas.
• Lima, OH: Mayor Smith proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in the City of Lima, Ohio.
• South Carolina: Governor McMaster proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Month in South Carolina.
• Washington, DC: Mayor Bowser proclaimed August as National Breastfeeding Month in Washington, DC.

NBM News & Views

Atkinson, Andelson Loya, Ruud & Romo: "August is National Breastfeeding Month! What Educational Employers Should Know About Accommodating Lactating Employees and Students"

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service: "BLOG: DOD Pumps Up Support for Breastfeeding"

Knox Pages: "WIC celebrates National Breastfeeding Awareness Month with Aug. 23 event in Mount Vernon"

 La Leche League USA: "Celebrating Indigenous Milk Medicine: Resilience, Rematriation & Resistance"

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: "Themes, Resources and Events to Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month"

Share My Lesson: "National Breastfeeding Month: Educators Supporting Nursing Families"

Spectrum News 1: "Doctors call breast milk 'golden liquid' for benefits it offers to both mom and baby"

WPRI: "Women & Infants raising awareness around National Breastfeeding Month"

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National News

 CDC Website Overhaul and New Breastfeeding Webpage

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveiled a newly revamped CDC.gov website. The revamp includes updates to CDC’s breastfeeding webpages and the launch of the new "5 Tips for Returning to Work and Breastfeeding" webpage, featuring helpful resources for employees and employers. 

 FNS Issues Notice of Supply Chain Disruption for WIC State Agencies

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service issued a series of notices for State WIC agencies on infant formula supply chain disruptions and information on requesting a flexibility waiver. Published notices include:

• "Notice of Extended Supply Chain Disruption Declaration in Response to the Continued Impact of Limited Availability of Gerber Infant Formulas"
• "Notice of Supply Chain Disruption Declaration in Response to the Impact of a Tornado on Certain Mead Johnson Infant Formulas"
• "WIC Flexibilities in Response to the Impact of a Tornado on Certain Mead Johnson Infant Formulas - MMA in Food Packages I and II"

Bill to Exempt Military Families from Deployment Introduced in Senate

Senator Ossoff (D-GA) introduced the Military Families Support Act (S. 4491). The bill would exempt active duty servicemembers from being deployed, mobilized, or sent to trainings away from their duty stations for one year after welcoming a new child. The policy would also include servicemembers who adopt a child or those undergoing fertility treatment. The one year postpartum deferment is currently available to U.S. Army soldiers, but this legislation would extend this benefit across the Armed Forces. Read the press release. 

Bill to Provide Newborn Supply Kits Introduced in House

Representative Julia Letlow (R-LA-5) and a bipartisan group of Representatives introduced the Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act (H.R.8715). The bill would establish a pilot program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to distribute newborn supply kits made up of essential goods critical to new mothers and their infants. The kits would include diapers, wipes, hygiene items, blankets, thermometers for newborns, postpartum pads, lotion, cold packs, breastfeeding supplies, blood pressure monitor, information on the maternal mental health hotline, information about postpartum supports, and other items as deemed necessary by the Secretary to support infant and postpartum health. Read the press release. 

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State & Community News

Illinois Bill Signed Into Law Requiring Lactation Space in Department of Corrections Facilities

Illinois Governor Pritzker signed Illinois State House Bill 4819 into law. The bill requires the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide lactation rooms in each facility that employs nursing mothers for personnel of the Department. Each individual lactation room must contain doors that lock, signage, electrical outlets, sufficient lighting and ventilation, comfortable chairs, a countertop or table, a functional sink, a refrigerator, and receive routine daily maintenance.

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Action Opportunities

Federal Emergency Management Agency: "Open Public Comment Period for Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, Version 5." The comment period closes Monday, August 19.

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Funding Opportunities

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: "Community-Based Maternal Behavioral Health Services Program." Application deadline: Monday, September 9.

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Upcoming Events

Tuesday, August 20:

• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: "Georgia Breastfeeding Resources Panel"
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: "Unlocking Opportunities: Essential Information on PWFA and PUMP Acts for Women"

Tuesday, August 20-Thursday, August 22:

• Administration for Children & Families: "Disaster Human Services Convening - State & Federal Partner Meeting"

Thursday, August 22:

• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: "Tennessee Breastfeeding Resources Panel"

Tuesday, August 27:

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau, and Wage and Hour Division: "Advancing Equity for Women in the Workplace: Pregnant Workers Fairness and PUMP Act"
• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: "Kentucky Breastfeeding Resources Panel"

Thursday, August 29:

• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: "Mississippi Breastfeeding Resources Panel"

Wednesday, September 4 - Thursday, September 5:

• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: "Safeguarding the Food Supply: Integrating Diverse Risks, Connecting with Consumers, and Protecting Vulnerable Populations - A Workshop"

Thursday, October 17:

•  New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force: "Virtual Hospital Lactation Office Hours" (Recurring Meeting)

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News & Views

AP: "After baby’s death, Kentucky parents sue infant formula maker at center of 2022 crisis"

CBS News: "Perrigo recalls infant formula sold by H-E-B and CVS in 12 states"

 Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition: "Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition Awards $10,000 in Scholarships"

KGOU: "Oklahoma Breastfeeding Resource Center receives grant to expand rural training, resources"

HealthDay: "Breast Pumps Greatly Extend the Time a Mom Breastfeeds"

Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative: "Exploring the Benefits of Breastfeeding, Overcoming Barriers and Offering Support"

New Hampshire Bulletin: "New research shows how PFAS could be affecting New Hampshire’s nursing moms, babies"

News4JAX: "How maternity leave impacts how long you breastfeed"

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Journal Publications

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth: "Changes in maternity care policies and practices that support breastfeeding as measured by the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding — United States, 2018–2022"

Breastfeeding Medicine: "Setting the Agenda for Patient-Centered Research in Infant and Young-Child Feeding: Results from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere"

Frontiers in Nutrition: "Access to and interest in human milk research opportunities among Black pregnant and postpartum people"

International Breastfeeding Journal: "Maternal employment characteristics as a structural social determinant of breastfeeding after return to work in the European Region: a scoping review"

JAMA Pediatrics: "Infant Feeding and Weight Trajectories in the Eat, Sleep, Console Trial: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial." Media highlights include:

• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: "Science Update: 'Eat, Sleep, Console' care approach improves breastfeeding in opioid-exposed newborns, study suggests"

Journal of Human Lactation: "Assessing the Landscape of Lactation Education: Results of a Pilot Survey"