Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - Report on DEI Implementation in the Lactation Field, Employer Guide on the PUMP Act, & 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 - Report on DEI Implementation in the Lactation Field, Employer Guide on the PUMP Act, & more

8/9/2024

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- Evaluation Report Provides DEI Recommendations for USBC and the Lactation Field
- USBC Open Enrollment Period: Call for New Members!
- Welcoming Kristen Clark as Senior Development Coordinator!
- Upcoming Indigenous Identity Caucus Meeting
Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month
National News
- AAP Provider Resource for Breastfeeding Support in Emergencies Available in Multiple Languages
- BABES Enhancement Act Advanced by Senate Committee
- Senate Resolution on Bump Day Introduced
- Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act Introduced in Senate
- WHD PUMP Act Employer Responsibility Guide
- New America Resources & Research on Paid Family and Medical Leave
- Title IX Communications Guide for Campus Staff
- Comparison Chart of State Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance Laws Updated
- WIC Breastfeeding Support Tailoring Calculator Updated
State & Community News
- State of Breastfeeding in Kansas 2024 Report
- Illinois Bill on Pregnant and Postpartum Prisoners Signed Into Law
- New Hampshire Bill on Medicaid Reimbursement of Lactation Providers Signed Into Law
Action Opportunities
Funding Opportunities
Upcoming Events
News & Views
Journal Publications

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

USBC Updates

Evaluation Report Provides DEI Recommendations for USBC and the Lactation Field

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee published the "New USBC Evaluation Report Provides DEI Recommendations for the Lactation Field" blog, sharing evaluation methods, findings, and recommendations from the “USBC & The First Food Field: Awake to Woke to Work” report. With funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee has been on a journey to assess the baseline status of USBC-affiliated First Food field stakeholders in implementing, integrating, and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into organizational programs and services. To support this effort, Urban Metrics Consultants conducted a mixed-method evaluation, actively engaging 258 individuals representing 68 USBC member organizations. The process and results are detailed in the report. The USBC is grateful to all who participated.

USBC Open Enrollment Period: Call for New Members!

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee has opened the enrollment period for organizations to join the USBC membership network! Organizations interested in membership are invited to complete the "USBC Membership Interest Form & Affiliated Coalitions Directory Request Form," the first step in the application process. During the open enrollment period, organizations meeting eligibility requirements will be invited to complete the online membership application by October 31. The membership of the USBC represents the most unified voice in advocating for breastfeeding policy and practice change in the U.S. This includes National Nonprofit members, Governmental Members, Coalitions, and Community Based Organizations. Visit the membership directory to view a list of current members. We look forward to continuing to expand, deepen, and intentionally diversify our membership network. Learn more about the benefits of USBC membership.

Welcoming Kristen Clark as Senior Development Coordinator!

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is thrilled to welcome Kristen Clark as the new USBC Senior Development Coordinator! Kristen has previously served in communications and development positions for nonprofits and in her new role, she will be supporting organizational impact and sustainability by building and cultivating relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including individuals, organizations, and businesses that aim to support the USBC mission and vision. Get to know more about Kristen, our new Executive Director Jennifer Day, and the rest of the team on the USBC Staff webpage.

Upcoming Indigenous Identity Caucus Meeting

The Indigenous Breastfeeding Coalition of Minnesota is hosting the next Indigenous Identity Caucus meeting on Thursday, August 29, from 1-2:30 p.m. ET. Identity Caucuses are safe spaces to establish and nurture connections with people who have a shared identity. We all have a role to play in eliminating disparities in access to lactation-supportive policies, systems, and environments, but our individual identities impact how we experience inequities and the work we must do to address them. While we engage in this important work to advance equity in the First Food field, it's important to have a soft space to land, strategize, and be in community with others with whom you share an identity. If you are interested in participating in this or any other identity caucus, please complete the "USBC Identity Caucus Interest Form."

Special Section on National Breastfeeding Month

The 2024 NBM theme is Nourish, Sustain, Thrive. 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:

IMMC: The Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective is hosting the "Indigenous Milk Medicine Week Virtual 5K." Whether you choose to run, walk, or move at your own pace, this event is an opportunity to honor and support Native and Indigenous breastfeeding and chestfeeding individuals, along with their families and communities. Register for the event, complete your 5K anytime between August 8-14, capture the moment, and share your experience on social media using the hashtags #MindBodyMilkMedicine5K #IndigenousMilkMedicineWeek5K.
Healthy Horizons: Healthy Horizons is hosting the "7th Annual Lactation Room Contest." Nominate a workplace that needs a little love and attention, and the winning organization will receive lactation equipment, furniture, services, and supplies from Healthy Horizons. This year there will be 3 prizes for workplaces and lactating parents with a combined value of $20,000. The contest is open through Saturday, September 7.
NBCW: In celebration of Indigenous Milk Medicine Week, the Native Breastfeeding Coalition of Wisconsin is hosting "Breastfeeding Stories: A Digital Story Telling Screening Event" on Wednesday, August 14, at 12 p.m. CT. Over the past year, the Native Breastfeeding Coalition of Wisconsin has hosted two digital storytelling workshops. In this screening event, the storytellers will share their final product.
Roots of Labor Birth Collective: Roots of Labor Birth Collective is hosting the "Virtual Luncheon & Reflections on Indigenous Lactation" on Friday, August 9, at 3:30 p.m. ET. The gathering will feature reflections from freshly trained Indigenous Lactation Counselors and an open conversation about supporting Indigenous parents on the journey to feeding babies human milk.
USBC: Nourish, Sustain, Thrive isn’t just a slogan for National Breastfeeding Month, it’s a movement! The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee launched a National Breastfeeding Month fundraising campaign. When you donate to the USBC, you are helping support our collective efforts to create the policy changes that babies and families need and deserve.

Local Events

Division of Indian Work: The Division of Indian Work is hosting a series of local events in Minneapolis, Minnesota throughout Indigenous Milk Medicine Week, including a 5k walk/run and a community mural-making event.
MBN: The Michigan Breastfeeding Network is hosting the "Dads, Lactation, You, and More" event on Friday, August 30, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET at the Kent County Health Department in Grand Rapids, MI. The event is a celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week and will feature a discussion about the challenges many fathers face throughout the perinatal, birth, and postpartum period and ways to support and engage them.
NBC: The Navajo Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting a virtual lactation education series throughout National Breastfeeding Month to support lactation in Indigenous communities.
Navajo WIC: The Navajo WIC Program Fort Defiance Clinic is hosting a Health Fair in celebration of Indigenous Milk Medicine Week on Friday, August 23, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. MDT in St. Michaels, Arizona.
NYC Breastfeeding Leadership Council: The NYC Breastfeeding Leadership Council is hosting the "Virtual Breastfeeding Subway Caravan 2024" on Friday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. The event will feature a series of informative sessions on thriving through breastfeeding challenges including expectations at the NICU, surviving the first week, and pumping at work.
Penn Nursing: The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is hosting the "Exclusive Screening of the Documentary 'Chocolate Milk'" on Wednesday, August 28, at 4:30 p.m. ET at the Ann L. Roy Auditorium. Chocolate Milk is a digital storytelling project that shares video testimonials from black mothers on breastfeeding.
Pretty Mama Breastfeeding: Pretty Mama Breastfeeding is hosting the "Pretty Mama Breastfeeding LLC Open House" on Friday, August 23, from 4-7 p.m. PT in Campbell, CA. The open house will feature informative presentations and Q&A sessions and will provide an opportunity to connect with other moms.
Uzazi Village: In celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week, Uzazi Village is hosting the "Village Family & Prenatal Photoshoot" on Saturday, August 17, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. CT in Kansas City, MO. The annual photoshoot provides free visuals aimed at capturing families through the lens of experienced photographers.
YOLO Lactation and Breastfeeding Services: YOLO Lactation and Breastfeeding Services is hosting a "Boobie Brunch" on Saturday, August 17, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET in Flint, MI. Pregnant and breastfeeding parents are invited to celebrate their breastfeeding journey and meet other moms while enjoying food and more.

Breastfeeding Proclamations

Michigan: Governor Whitmer proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Month in Michigan.
Minnesota: Governor Walz proclaimed August 8-14 as Indigenous Milk Medicine Week in Minnesota.
Mississippi: Governor Reeves proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Mississippi.
New Jersey: Governor Murphy proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Month in New Jersey.
North Carolina: Governor Cooper proclaimed August 1-7 as World Breastfeeding Week in North Carolina.
Texas: Governor Abbott proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Month in Texas.
Vermont: Governor Scott proclaimed August as Breastfeeding Promotion Month in Vermont.

NBM News & Views

Our Milky Way: "Happy World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month!"

UNICEF: "Ministry of Health, UNICEF and partners celebrate World Breastfeeding Week and call for breastfeeding support for all by closing the gaps in South Sudan."

National News

AAP Provider Resource for Breastfeeding Support in Emergencies Available in Multiple Languages

The American Academy of Pediatrics hosts a health professional support resource titled "Infant Feeding in Disasters and Emergencies: Breastfeeding and Other Options," which is now available for download in Arabic, Hebrew, and Ukrainian, English, and Spanish. The breastfeeding practice resource guides health professionals on how to prepare to support breastfeeding families during an emergency or disaster.

BABES Enhancement Act Advanced by Senate Committee

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act (S.1570) by voice vote. The bill would amend the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act to require hygienic handling of breast milk and baby formula by security screening personnel of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The bill directs the TSA to issue or update guidance to minimize the risk for contamination of breast milk, baby formula, purified deionized water for infants, juice, and related products that are subject to re-screening or additional screening, including by ensuring adherence to hygienic standards. Related products include ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool breast milk, baby formula, and juice. In addition, the bill directs the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General to audit compliance with these requirements and submit a report to Congress.

Senate Resolution on Bump Day Introduced

Senator Christopher Coons (D-DE) introduced Senate Resolution 773. The resolution supports the ideals of Bump Day to ensure, through advocacy, awareness, and action, that every mom, regardless of where she lives, the color of her skin, or her ability to pay, gets the care she needs to deliver a safe pregnancy and birth, and a healthy future for herself and the baby she loves. The resolution recognizes the vital role that fathers and other supportive partners play in promoting the health and well-being of expectant mothers and newborns, including by encouraging and supporting breastfeeding initiation and success.

Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act Introduced in Senate

Senator Peters (D-MI) introduced the Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act (S.4436). The bipartisan legislation would require infant formula manufacturers to conduct testing for Cronobacter or Salmonella in infant formula marketed for consumption, share positive contaminant results with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and consult with the FDA on how to properly dispose of contaminated products. The bill was introduced in response to the bacterial contaminations at an infant formula manufacturing plant in Michigan and infant formula recalls that triggered a nationwide shortage in 2022. Read the press release.

WHD PUMP Act Employer Responsibility Guide

The U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division published "Understanding Federal Protections for Pumping at Work: Employer Responsibilities." The digital guide details employer responsibilities under the PUMP Act, including information on eligibility and coverage, break time requirements, space requirements, prohibited retaliation, compensation for break time, and enforcement.

New America Resources & Research on Paid Family and Medical Leave

New America's Better Life Lab published "Pursuing Paid Family and Medical Leave." The webpage features a collection of reports, articles, and resources produced by the Better Life Lab on paid leave in the United States, including stories and news articles, testimony provided to lawmakers, and research on paid leave implementation.

Title IX Communications Guide for Campus Staff

The Pregnant Scholar released the "Title IX Communications Guide: Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Students." The communications guide is designed to serve as a toolkit for campus administrators and staff to help them support pregnant and parenting students through the lens of Title IX.

Comparison Chart of State Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance Laws Updated

The National Partnership for Women & Families updated its Comparison Chart of State Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance Laws to include recent changes to the implementation timeline of Maryland's law and updated information about average and maximum benefit amounts in many states.

WIC Breastfeeding Support Tailoring Calculator Updated

WIC Breastfeeding Support updated their Tailoring Calculator tool to support the new 2024 Food Packages. The WIC Infant Formula Tailoring Calculator assists WIC staff in individually tailoring infant formula issuance amounts consistent with WIC regulations to issue an optimal amount of supplemental formula to meet an infant's needs while still supporting a family's breastfeeding goals.

State & Community News

State of Breastfeeding in Kansas 2024 Report

The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition released the "State of Breastfeeding in Kansas 2024" report. The report includes breastfeeding rates in the state and action resources for individuals, hospitals, healthcare providers, state and local governments, and businesses.

Illinois Bill on Pregnant and Postpartum Prisoners Signed Into Law

Illinois Governor Pritzker signed Illinois House Bill 5431 into law. The law amends the County Department of Corrections Law, Unified Code of Corrections, County Jail Act, and Health Care Violence Prevention Act related to pregnant and postpartum prisoners, including requiring the county department of corrections to provide informational materials relating to supplemental nutrition for prisoners who are pregnant or lactating.

New Hampshire Bill on Medicaid Reimbursement of Lactation Providers Signed Into Law

New Hampshire Governor Sununu signed New Hampshire Senate Bill 337 into law. The bill directs the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to establish a voluntary certification process for doula and lactation service providers for the purposes of Medicaid reimbursement. The doula and lactation consultants certified must be credentialed by an organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, or another nationally or internationally recognized accreditation organization.

Action Opportunities

U.S. Department of Agriculture: "Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program Regulations--Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden"

Funding Opportunities

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation: "Collective Impact Grants." Application deadline: September 1.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, August 13:

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: "Perspectives on the Breastfeeding Journey: A Listening Session Series" *This is part of a six-part listening session series that runs through Tuesday, September 17.

Tuesday, August 27: