Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - Updated ABM Clinical Protocol #7, BABES Enhancement Act Signed into Law, & 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 - Updated ABM Clinical Protocol #7, BABES Enhancement Act Signed into Law, & More

12/12/2025

Weekly Wire: December 12, 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
- USBC Conference Updates & Reminders: Preliminary Agenda Now Available
National News
- Updated ABM Clinical Protocol #7: Model Maternity Policy Supportive of Breastfeeding
- BABES Enhancement Act Signed into Law
- NEST Act Introduced in House
- 2025 MCH Funding Week of Action Social Media Toolkit
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

USBC Conference Updates & Reminders: Preliminary Agenda Now Available

The preliminary agenda for the Rooted in Legacy, Growing Toward Justice 2026 National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening (NBCC) is now available! The draft agenda gives you the chance to explore session topics, plan your participation, and see how the convening will spotlight inclusive strategies, policy updates, and community innovations shaping the future of infant feeding. It may also inspire you to submit a proposal to speak at the Convening! Submit your proposal for a plenary session or plenary panel presentation by Wednesday, December 31, to share your story, project, or vision with the USBC conference planning team.

Register today to build momentum, encourage dialogue, and create a lasting impact together! Early-bird pricing is available through the end of December.

National News

Updated ABM Clinical Protocol #7: Model Maternity Policy Supportive of Breastfeeding

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) announced the release of the updated "Clinical Protocol #7: Model Maternity Policy Supportive of Breastfeeding," a comprehensive, evidence-based framework designed to guide hospitals and health systems in implementing breastfeeding-supportive care. This protocol is intended as a practical tool, offering adaptable policies that span prenatal education through postpartum discharge and reflect the latest research and global best practices. The updated protocol introduces significant changes that address critical areas of maternal and infant care, including new content on social determinants of health to ensure equity and access to breastfeeding support.

BABES Enhancement Act Signed into Law

The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act (S.260/H.R.820) has been signed by the President. The new law directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to adopt enforceable guidance for the safe, hygienic handling of breastmilk, formula, and baby food during air travel. The new law also mandates an audit of compliance with the new guidance. The passage of this law is an important step toward making airports more family-friendly and supporting on-the-go infant feeding. Media highlights include:

Desert Sun: "Flying while breastfeeding, packing breast milk? New law takes on TSA"
Forbes: "A New Law Will Finally Give Real Protection To Parents Traveling With Breast Milk"

NEST Act Introduced in House

Representative Letlow (LA-5) and a bipartisan group of cosponsors introduced the Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act (H.R.6096). The bill would authorize funding for the distribution of newborn supply kits, prioritizing distribution in maternity care deserts, rural communities, and communities with the highest maternal mortality rates. The bill would require the supply kits to include breastfeeding supplies and educational materials on breastfeeding, among other items, to support infant and postpartum health.

2025 MCH Funding Week of Action Social Media Toolkit

The Maternal & Child Health Appropriations Alliance (MCHAA) launched the 2025 Maternal & Child Health Funding Week of Action Social Media Toolkit. This resource offers sample captions, data highlights, and shareable graphics to support coordinated messaging during the Week of Action from Monday, December 8, through Friday, December 12, 2025. The toolkit underscores the importance of robust federal funding for the full range of MCH programs across the Department of Health and Human Services. Partners are encouraged to use these materials to amplify the need for comprehensive, reliable investments that strengthen the national MCH ecosystem and support the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families.

USBC Insight: The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program is a line item in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. Funding this program will help build and strengthen critical initiatives that support states, territories, tribal nations, local governments, hospitals, and communities in advancing breastfeeding continuity of care, as well as increase access to breastfeeding-friendly environments within hospitals, workplaces, and community spaces. Take action with us to urge Congress to support this important funding for breastfeeding programs.