Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - REMEDY & USBC Launch Breastfeeding PSA & 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 - REMEDY & USBC Launch Breastfeeding PSA & more

8/23/2024

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- REMEDY & USBC Launch PSA on Breastfeeding in Public
- USBC Submits Comment on FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide
- Join the Most Unified Voice in Advocating for Breastfeeding Policy and Practice Change in the U.S.
- USBC Breastfeeding Policy Map Features Proposed Bills and Regulations Related to Infant Feeding
Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month
National News
- SIDS Awareness Month Digital Toolkit Updates
- Fact Sheet on Updated WIC Food Packages
- Dads Matter Act of 2024 Introduced in Senate
- Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act Introduced in House
State & Community News
- Illinois House Bill 5142
- Louisiana Executive Order Maintains Paid Parental Leave for State Employees
Upcoming Events
News & Views
Journal Publications

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

USBC Updates

REMEDY & USBC Launch PSA on Breastfeeding in Public

In collaboration with the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, REMEDY, a digital media agency, launched a public service announcement (PSA) to normalize breastfeeding and encourage the public to create a welcoming environment for mothers and lactating people. The 27-second video invites the audience to take action in support of lactation-friendly policies and legislation and reflect on how to support breastfeeding mothers in public spaces with the tagline, "Breastfeeding in public is legal in 50 states. Let's make it feel that way." Read the press release.

USBC Submits Comment on FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted a comment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in response to the public comment opportunity on proposed revisions to the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG), Version 5. FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program provides funds to assist communities after a federally declared disaster or emergency. The PAPPG is used to evaluate funding eligibility under the PA program. The USBC response encourages FEMA to expand the definitions of durable medical equipment and consumable medical supplies to include lactation and infant feeding supplies and to include breastfeeding and lactation as functional needs. These changes would allow reimbursement for the provision of lactation support and supplies during emergencies.

Join the Most Unified Voice in Advocating for Breastfeeding Policy and Practice Change in the U.S.

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee has opened the enrollment period for organizations to join the USBC membership network! Is your organization implementing policies, programs, or practices that advance the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding and human milk feeding? We've saved a seat for you! The membership of the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee represents the most unified voice in advocating for breastfeeding policy and practice change in the U.S., including approximately 140 organizations that support USBC's mission. Explore membership benefits, categories, and frequently asked questions on the USBC website. Organizations interested in joining the USBC member network should complete the Membership Interest Form.

USBC Breastfeeding Policy Map Features Proposed Bills and Regulations Related to Infant Feeding

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee hosts the Breastfeeding Policy Map, a resource to help the lactation field monitor federal and state policy proposals — bills and regulations that have been introduced this session but not yet passed. Updated weekly to reflect proposals with the potential to impact infant feeding and/or the lactation field, the map is a great way to keep tabs on the policy efforts happening in your state. The policies included on the map are curated from government sources, allowing the lactation field to quickly and proactively scan the policy landscape to stay informed about policy opportunities, challenges, and emerging trends. Simply select a state or issue area to view relevant bills and regulations, including bill status, most recent action, and a link to the full text.

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:

BBW: Black Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually from August 25-31. The Black Breastfeeding Week coordinating team released a variety of resources, events, and action opportunities:
- The "Black Breastfeeding Week 2024 Social Media Toolkit" provides ready-to-share social media content to help individuals and organizations join the conversation during Black Breastfeeding Week.
- The Black Breastfeeding Week Events Calendar features events happening online and around the nation.
- The "Black Breastfeeding Week: Storytelling as Support for Breastfeeding Justice" webinar will be held on Thursday, August 29, at 1 p.m. ET.
- Individuals are invited to share their funniest or most joyous breastfeeding moments in video or written format for a chance to be featured on the Black Breastfeeding Week social media channels for the Storytelling Festival for Black Breastfeeding Week. Submit your video or written story by Saturday, August 24.
GMLC: The Global Military Lactation Community is hosting the annual Military Lactation Celebration from August 22-24. GMLC has announced two opportunities to engage in this year's efforts:
- GMLC is collecting #IPumpedHere Photo Submissions from service members. Submit a photo of yourself pumping at work and/or a lactation space for a chance to be featured on GMLC social media pages.
- GMLC is hosting the National Breastfeeding Month Military Spotlight. Service members and their families are invited to nominate a military treatment facility (MTF) or hospital that helped you or someone you know with lactation. The MTF with the most nominations will be recognized and receive a gift.
TBBTF: The Tampa Bay Breastfeeding Task Force is hosting the online "A Father's Journey Supporting Breastfeeding" on Tuesday, August 27, from 7-8 p.m. ET. The event offers an opportunity for fathers to learn how to support their new baby and lactating partner, enjoy an evening connecting with other dads, share experiences, and gain valuable insights.
The Wellness Coalition: The Wellness Coalition is hosting the free virtual summit, "Breastfeeding Summit: Pump-up for Breastfeeding" on Tuesday, August 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. The virtual summit is for moms, moms-to-be, support persons, lactation professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more about breastfeeding.

Local Events

Clark County WIC: Clark County WIC in Springfield, Ohio, is hosting a month-long breastfeeding event at the High St. Location. The event is taking place every Tuesday and Thursday in August. All breastfeeding families are encouraged to stop by. No appointments are needed.
Foundation for Delaware County: The Foundation for Delaware County is hosting the "Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice Photo Story Walk" on Friday, August 30. This event is a photo exhibition of breastfeeding moms and will feature keynote speakers, giveaways, raffles, breastfeeding resources, and demonstrations.
ROSE: Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere is hosting the "It's A Beautiful Day Family Fair: South DeKalb Community Resource Day" on Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET in Decatur, GA. Bring your family for a day filled with fun, resources, and community support.
Santa Clara County Public Health: Santa Clara County Public Health is hosting a family-friendly "Breastfeeding Awareness Walk" on Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT at San Ysidro Park in Gilroy, CA. Meet new friends, learn about breastfeeding resources, how to donate your extra breastmilk, and how to stay safe while walking with children!

Breastfeeding Proclamations

Nebraska: Governor Pillen proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Month in Nebraska.
Ohio: Governor DeWine proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Ohio.
Tennessee: Governor Lee proclaimed August 1-7 as Breastfeeding Week in Tennessee.
Watsonville, CA: Mayor Quiroz-Carter proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Watsonville, California.

NBM News & Views

Global Breastfeeding Collective: "Are We There Yet? Measuring Global Progress on Protecting Breastfeeding"

The Monroe Times: "Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with new breastfeeding friendly employer toolkit"

WIBW: "Governor signs proclamation to name August 'Kansas Breastfeeding Month'"

WLNS: "National Breastfeeding Month unites mothers"

25 News: "McLean County Health Department asking women to donate breastmilk during National Breastfeeding month"

National News

SIDS Awareness Month Digital Toolkit Updates

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development released the updated "SIDS Awareness Month Digital Toolkit." The toolkit features new resources on the Social Media Content webpage, including social media posts and graphics in French and Arabic and social media profile cover images.

Fact Sheet on Updated WIC Food Packages

The National WIC Association released a fact sheet on the final rule updating WIC’s food packages. The fact sheet details the final changes to the WIC Food Package monthly allowances.

Dads Matter Act of 2024 Introduced in Senate

Senator Warnock (D-GA) and Senator Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Dads Matter Act of 2024 (S. 4522). The bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a public awareness campaign to increase awareness of the importance of father inclusion and engagement in improving overall health outcomes during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, including rates of successful breastfeeding.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act Introduced in House

Representative Feenstra (R-IA-4) introduced the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. The bipartisan bill would permanently extend a tax credit that incentivizes employers to offer up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave (PFML) to their employees.

State & Community News

Louisiana Executive Order Maintains Paid Parental Leave for State Employees

Louisiana Governor Landry issued an executive order, "Rules on Leave for the Unclassified Service." The Executive Order would maintain six weeks of paid parental leave benefits for unclassified state employees.