On August 7th Philadelphia dietitian Jennifer Lengyel, representing the Pennsylvania Academy, joined the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) on Capital Hill for their annual Advocacy Day of Action. Lengyel along with over 50 nation-wide lactation consultants, doctors, and other practitioners met with legislators to discuss how “breastfeeding is bipartisan” and bring awareness to the importance of breastfeeding polices and programs for American families.
Specifically, the USBC advocates educated legislators on the following:
– Maternity Care Practice Improvement Programs such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) which is an accreditation program that requires “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” in facilities to increase breastfeeding rates. Advocates asked that legislators maintain the current CDC funding program, EMPower, which provides support for facilities who want to implement BFHI.
– Support and Maintenance of Preventive Services such as breastfeeding counseling, education, supplies to fall under health plan coverage without cost-sharing, and align Medicaid coverage to ensure equitable access for all.
– Cosponsor the Supporting Working Moms Act which will ensure that every employed breastfeeding mother (hourly and salaried) has sufficient time and a safe place to express breast milk at work.
– Support the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act which would require airports to provide a private, non-bathroom space in each terminal for mothers to express breast milk.
– Support the Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act which would require that certain public buildings contain a public lactation room.
To find out more about USBC, visit www.USBreastfeeding.org
Lengyel learned a tremendous amount of information about these breastfeeding programs and where dietitians may play an important role in supporting breastfeeding women and families.
As dietitians, we are experts on nutrition and health promotion for the entire life cycle. What could be more relevant than supporting nourishment of infants through breastfeeding? Ask yourself: Do you work in a hospital that has a “Baby-friendly” designation? Are you familiar with and/or support the breastfeeding policies and resources at your facility? To learn more about the Pennsylvania breastfeeding efforts and how you can support them, visit www.pabreastfeeding.org
Photo: from left to right, Jennifer Lengyel, Darell Rico Doss (Legislative Counsel to Congressman Dwight Evans), Dr. Gail Herrine from USBC, and Alyssa Innis (Legislative Correspondent to Congressman Dwight Evans)
