It's Worth It Newsletter Spring 2023
Welcome to the Spring 20233 edition of the Connecticut Department of Public Health's (DPH) Breastfeeding: It's Worth It! eNewsletter!
This eNewsletter is produced in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders with funding from the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention’s (CDC) State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Program. DPH is funded by SPAN to implement breastfeeding/chestfeeding promotion and support activities in healthcare, communities and workplaces through 2023.
This eNewsletter is produced in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders with funding from the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention’s (CDC) State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Program. DPH is funded by SPAN to implement breastfeeding/chestfeeding promotion and support activities in healthcare, communities and workplaces through 2023.
The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act Signed into Law
For the first time in history a stand-alone breastfeeding bill was passed by the United States Congress!
In 2010, the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law was passed, requiring employers to provide adequate breaks for nursing employees to pump during their workday. Under this law employers needed to allow their employees a reasonable amount of time to breastfeed, as well as a private and comfortable room. Due to the original legislation’s numerous legal loopholes, this past December, the PUMP Act was signed into law. The PUMP Act has expanded legal rights to nearly 9 million nursing mothers employed nationwide whom the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law unintentionally failed to protect. This expansion now covers several professions that were recently unprotected including, teachers, registered nurses, and farmers.
Under this new law, lactating employees now have the right to file lawsuits against employers, of all sizes, that refuse or violate the right for nursing parents to receive reasonable and appropriate pumping breaks. Federal lactation break time and space requirements include a reasonable amount of time as well as a clean and private space that is not a bathroom.
Motorcoach and rail carrier employees are also covered by the PUMP Act, but due to various differences in how this law will be applied, the law will not go into effect for such employees until December 2025. Unfortunately, airline flight crew members, specifically flight attendants and pilots, currently remain uncovered directly by the PUMP Act.
Motorcoach and rail carrier employees are also covered by the PUMP Act, but due to various differences in how this law will be applied, the law will not go into effect for such employees until December 2025. Unfortunately, airline flight crew members, specifically flight attendants and pilots, currently remain uncovered directly by the PUMP Act.
Healthcare
Supporting BIPOC Lactation Support Providers
Our partners at the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition have received a two year grant from the CT Health and Education Finance Authority to support expanding Paving the Way: Diversity in Lactation. The new funding builds on past collaboration with DPH through the SPAN grant and will allow the founder and director, Mrs. Danielle Freeman, to accept additional participants and provide community support directly to families of color. For more information on Paving the Way visit their website, Diversity In Lactation!
Our partners at the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition have received a two year grant from the CT Health and Education Finance Authority to support expanding Paving the Way: Diversity in Lactation. The new funding builds on past collaboration with DPH through the SPAN grant and will allow the founder and director, Mrs. Danielle Freeman, to accept additional participants and provide community support directly to families of color. For more information on Paving the Way visit their website, Diversity In Lactation!
Breastfeeding-Friendly Medical Office (BFMO) Recognition is on the horizon!
A committee composed of representatives from CT Breastfeeding Coalition, DPH, and volunteer medical providers have been working on adapting an evidence-based toolkit to recognize medical office practices that support their patients in breast/chestfeeding. The toolkit is based on principles from the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and Colorado’s Making Breastfeeding Work for Medical Offices: A Six-Point Plan. Carolyn Levy DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, IBCLC recently completed her doctoral studies at UCONN’s School of Nursing, her research focused on Breastfeeding-Friendly Pediatric Primary Care.
Dr. Levy piloted the adapted toolkit with the help of Kristen Wallis M.D, FAAP and colleagues at Children's Medical Group in Hamden. Since implementing the toolkit and hiring a lactation-trained provider, the practice observed a statistically significant increase in breastfeeding. Because of this quality improvement work, patients are now 25% less likely to wean by 4 months of age and the organization has exceeded CDC's Breastfeeding Report Card for CT and the Healthy People 2030 national goal. This groundwork provides the BFMO committee with valuable feedback as they work towards rolling out this recognition for medical offices in our state.
Dr. Levy piloted the adapted toolkit with the help of Kristen Wallis M.D, FAAP and colleagues at Children's Medical Group in Hamden. Since implementing the toolkit and hiring a lactation-trained provider, the practice observed a statistically significant increase in breastfeeding. Because of this quality improvement work, patients are now 25% less likely to wean by 4 months of age and the organization has exceeded CDC's Breastfeeding Report Card for CT and the Healthy People 2030 national goal. This groundwork provides the BFMO committee with valuable feedback as they work towards rolling out this recognition for medical offices in our state.
While the recognition program is still in development, medical practices can engage in training through the Educating Practices program at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, which is offered in partnership with DPH. The Breastfeeding Basics module can help practices increase the number of parents who initiate and sustain breastfeeding their infants.
The Educating Practices team will set up the presentation of this module with your practice at your convenience, provide you with a GrubHub gift certificate to buy attendees lunch, and give your medical providers CME credits. They can also set up an MOC part 4 project for any of your providers who need the points for recertification.
There are many additional topics that are part of the Education Practices program, view them on the Educating Practices website.
Please reach out to educatingpractices@connecticutchildrens.org for more information or to schedule a module for your practice.
The Educating Practices team will set up the presentation of this module with your practice at your convenience, provide you with a GrubHub gift certificate to buy attendees lunch, and give your medical providers CME credits. They can also set up an MOC part 4 project for any of your providers who need the points for recertification.
There are many additional topics that are part of the Education Practices program, view them on the Educating Practices website.
Please reach out to educatingpractices@connecticutchildrens.org for more information or to schedule a module for your practice.
Community Support
New Haven Breastfeeding Taskforce Responds to Community Needs
In 2020 and 2021, members of the New Haven Breastfeeding Task Force (NHV BFTF) conducted community focus groups and interviews with Black and Latinx families in the Greater New Haven area to learn more about the challenges and supports families face related to breast/chestfeeding their infants.
A major obstacle identified by those interviewed was going back to work. Continuing to breast/chestfeed after returning to work without the explicit support of one’s employer and co-workers can feel impossible and overwhelming. For many people, they choose instead to stop breastfeeding rather than try and convince their supervisor to allow them adequate and flexible breaktime to pump or feed their baby. The disparity shows up more for folks with lower wage jobs or who face other types of discrimination at work such as racism.
Having employers understand both the benefits to their “bottom line” and their legal obligations may persuade more worksites to become Breast/Chestfeeding Friendly. In response, the NHV BFTF has committed to engaging and educating employers. The Employment Subcommittee has created a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for members so they can confidently engage area employers, provide the necessary education and resources to meet the employer where they are, and help them make progress as needed.
The outreach kit includes an FAQ, the steps for employers, and some fun, locally designed swag. BFTF members reach out to employers, distribute the kit to those interested in learning more about the program, answer questions, and follow up with any additional resources. As a final step in the process, BFTF members refer and encourage employers to pursue the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition’s (CBC’s) Breast/Chestfeeding Friendly Worksite recognition. The BFTF has also developed a tracking system for members to document the employers they are reaching out to and any responses so that timely follow-up can be made as needed.
So far, BFTF members have engaged eight employers, two have completed the process and received the CBC’s Breast/Chestfeeding Friendly Worksite recognition.
In 2020 and 2021, members of the New Haven Breastfeeding Task Force (NHV BFTF) conducted community focus groups and interviews with Black and Latinx families in the Greater New Haven area to learn more about the challenges and supports families face related to breast/chestfeeding their infants.
A major obstacle identified by those interviewed was going back to work. Continuing to breast/chestfeed after returning to work without the explicit support of one’s employer and co-workers can feel impossible and overwhelming. For many people, they choose instead to stop breastfeeding rather than try and convince their supervisor to allow them adequate and flexible breaktime to pump or feed their baby. The disparity shows up more for folks with lower wage jobs or who face other types of discrimination at work such as racism.
Having employers understand both the benefits to their “bottom line” and their legal obligations may persuade more worksites to become Breast/Chestfeeding Friendly. In response, the NHV BFTF has committed to engaging and educating employers. The Employment Subcommittee has created a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for members so they can confidently engage area employers, provide the necessary education and resources to meet the employer where they are, and help them make progress as needed.
The outreach kit includes an FAQ, the steps for employers, and some fun, locally designed swag. BFTF members reach out to employers, distribute the kit to those interested in learning more about the program, answer questions, and follow up with any additional resources. As a final step in the process, BFTF members refer and encourage employers to pursue the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition’s (CBC’s) Breast/Chestfeeding Friendly Worksite recognition. The BFTF has also developed a tracking system for members to document the employers they are reaching out to and any responses so that timely follow-up can be made as needed.
So far, BFTF members have engaged eight employers, two have completed the process and received the CBC’s Breast/Chestfeeding Friendly Worksite recognition.
Congratulations to the New Haven team!
Worksites & Child Care
Panel Discusses workplace law and protections for lactating employees.
Connecticut and United States laws protect a person’s right to express their milk while at work and still many workers give up rather than exercise their rights. Experts from the CT and US Departments of Labor and the CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities participated in a panel to give overviews on the various laws that cover workers’ rights, who is covered and by which rules, how workers can access support for their rights and some common scenarios to help lactation supporters provide clear and accurate information in the community. While the panel was not recorded, the following resources were shared:
Connecticut and United States laws protect a person’s right to express their milk while at work and still many workers give up rather than exercise their rights. Experts from the CT and US Departments of Labor and the CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities participated in a panel to give overviews on the various laws that cover workers’ rights, who is covered and by which rules, how workers can access support for their rights and some common scenarios to help lactation supporters provide clear and accurate information in the community. While the panel was not recorded, the following resources were shared:
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(sheFrom Kimberly Jacobson, CT Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities
Kimberly Jacobsen (she/her/hers) Managing Director - Employment Legal Division Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities 450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 2 Hartford, CT 06103 | AA/EOE Phone 860-541-3437 Fax: 860-541-3400 Kimberly.Jacobsen@ct.gov From Cheryl Lebedevitch, United States Breastfeeding Committee
Cheryl Lebedevitch Senior Policy & Communications Manager United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) 1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Phone: 773.359.1549 x21 Fax: 773.313.3498 clebedev@usbreastfeeding.org www.usbreastfeeding.org |
From Heather Callahan, US Department of Labor, Hartford Office
FLSA Protections to Pump at Work Maternal Health – What to Expect from Your Employer When You’re Expecting Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 30th Anniversary Homepage How to File a Complaint with USDOL/WHD From Jennifer Devine, CT Department of Labor
CTDOL’s Wage and Workplace Standards Division: 860-263-6791 Jennifer Devine Staff Attorney III Legal Division CT Department of Labor 200 Folly Brook Boulevard Wethersfield, CT 06109 Ph: (860) 263-6766 Fax: (860) 263-6768 Jennifer.devine@ct.gov |
To file a complaint with CT DOL’s Wage and Workplace Standards Division, you can submit online!
Examples of lactation accommodations in various workforce sectors with details and videos from the US Office of Women's Health: Supporting Nursing Moms at Work.
Additional Legal Protection and Support in CT:
Additional Legal Protection and Support in CT:
Congratulations to these newly recognized
Breastfeeding Friendly Worksites!
Naugatuck Valley Health Department
Community Action Agency of New Haven
Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Little Pickles Daycare (also a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Provider)
Research Articles & Resources
Three Paper Series on Commercial Milk Formula Industry
The Lancet published a three paper series in February 2023 on the global marketing of breastmilk substitutes and the consequences for breastfeeding. - The Lancet Breastfeeding 2023
This study of a WIC population explores the practice of and reasons for expressing milk in the first year postpartum. Human milk expression in the first year postpartum among persons with low incomes
The Society for Public Health Education published a supplemental issue of Health Promotion Practice (HPP) entitled “Reducing Chronic Disease through Physical Activity and Nutrition: Public Health Practice in the Field.”
Two articles within the issue of particular interest include:
The Lancet published a three paper series in February 2023 on the global marketing of breastmilk substitutes and the consequences for breastfeeding. - The Lancet Breastfeeding 2023
This study of a WIC population explores the practice of and reasons for expressing milk in the first year postpartum. Human milk expression in the first year postpartum among persons with low incomes
The Society for Public Health Education published a supplemental issue of Health Promotion Practice (HPP) entitled “Reducing Chronic Disease through Physical Activity and Nutrition: Public Health Practice in the Field.”
Two articles within the issue of particular interest include:
From the current issue of Breastfeeding Medicine, published January 2023:
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Breastfeeding Continuation: Among U.S. Hispanic Mothers: Identification of Mechanisms
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Breastfeeding Continuation: Among U.S. Hispanic Mothers: Identification of Mechanisms
Resources
Continuity of Care in Breastfeeding Support
Published in 2021 jointly by NACCHO & USBC, Continuity of Care in Breastfeeding Support: A Blueprint for Communities includes evidence-based strategies for local communities to better support chest/breastfeeding families. It “aims to increase local capacity to implement community-driven approaches to support chest/breastfeeding, centered on the needs of populations disproportionately impacted by structural barriers that leads to low rates of breastfeeding.”
Published in 2021 jointly by NACCHO & USBC, Continuity of Care in Breastfeeding Support: A Blueprint for Communities includes evidence-based strategies for local communities to better support chest/breastfeeding families. It “aims to increase local capacity to implement community-driven approaches to support chest/breastfeeding, centered on the needs of populations disproportionately impacted by structural barriers that leads to low rates of breastfeeding.”
State Breastfeeding Reports
The United States Breastfeeding Committee recently published updated State and Territorial Breastfeeding reports comparing state and national breastfeeding rates and outlining resources such as state and local coalitions and funding.
The United States Breastfeeding Committee recently published updated State and Territorial Breastfeeding reports comparing state and national breastfeeding rates and outlining resources such as state and local coalitions and funding.
Free and low cost CERPs links
The Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition maintains a list of free and low cost continuing education resources for lactation support providers! If you have resources you would like listed, please reach out to the CBC, info@breastfeedingct.org
Great Lakes Webinars - Free CERPs webinars grounded in racial equity and diversity.
The Michigan Breastfeeding Coalition offers free, monthly webinar recordings featuring a range of topics that support equity and inquiry. All webinars are available for a year after launch and CERPs certificates are provided to registered users.
The Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition maintains a list of free and low cost continuing education resources for lactation support providers! If you have resources you would like listed, please reach out to the CBC, info@breastfeedingct.org
Great Lakes Webinars - Free CERPs webinars grounded in racial equity and diversity.
The Michigan Breastfeeding Coalition offers free, monthly webinar recordings featuring a range of topics that support equity and inquiry. All webinars are available for a year after launch and CERPs certificates are provided to registered users.
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The Connecticut State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The views expressed in this eBulletin do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CDC or imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Learn more about the State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program at https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/.