Global Headlines

December 2011 - Flashmob!

Alright, it's been a while since we updated the Global Headlines. Apparently, the same issues are around. Mothers being ridiculed in public! Check out the UK flashmob as a result of a mother's experience.

January 2011 - Nursing In Public.... still shameful?

Two mothers were asked to stop breastfeeding in a children's store in Canada. How long is it going to take for people to get it - it's NOT something we should have to hide!! Click here to read a more detailed story.

August 2010 - Melinda Gates blogs about Breastfeeding - Celebrating the Simple, Life Saving Act of Breastfeeding

Melinda is quoted as saying, "Exclusive breastfeeding - when the infant is fed only with breastmilk and no other food or drink - helps ensure proper nutrition, supports the baby's immune system, and lowers the risk of acute repiratory infections,diarrhea, and other diseases.... Read the whole blog by clicking here!

August, 2010 - Amazing story about the incredible effects of kangaroo care and breastfeeding...

A mother of twins was told that her baby boy wasn't alive after delivery. She placed the baby on her bare chest (kangaroo care) and you will be amazed at what happened! Click here to read the full story

August, 2010 - UNICEF reports...

that because preventing sickness and boosting children’s immune systems are urgent priorities in Nigeria, UNICEF in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Health launched a new national breastfeeding campaign during World Breastfeeding Week that will include multimedia workshops, radio and television interviews and debates, films, theatre productions, and a specially written song. The goal of the campaign is to ensure that every Nigerien child is exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months - a simple, essential foundation for a healthy future.

The BRC Applauds Workplace Breastfeeding Support
Provision in Health Care Reform

Although there are plenty of mixed emotions about the health care reform package, there is good news for breastfeeding mothers. The BRC was happy to read about the workplace breastfeeding support provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The provision states that employers shall provide reasonable, unpaid break time and a private, non-bathroom place for an employee to express breastmilk for her nursing child for one year after the child's birth. Employers with less than 50 employees are not subject to the requirement if it would cause "undue hardship."

The BRC Director, Colette Acker, IBCLC, applauds the legislation’s recognition of breastfeeding as a major preventive health care strategy. “Breastfeeding support in the workplace is a win, win, win situation! Mothers, babies, and employers all benefit. Research clearly demonstrates the value of breastfeeding, but returning to work can be a major hurdle for new mothers. This provision is a great step in helping mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Although many are aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding, employers may not recognize the economic benefits that accrue to them also. The Business Case for Breastfeeding, published in 2008 by DHHS, demonstrates an impressive return on investment for employers that provide workplace lactation support, including lower health care costs, absenteeism, and turnover rates. Employees whose companies provide breastfeeding support consistently report improved morale, better satisfaction with their jobs, and higher productivity. As part of The Business Case for Breastfeeding initiative, coalitions in 32 states and territories received training to assist employers in establishing lactation support programs.

Employers, human resources managers, and breastfeeding employees who are interested in helping to establish worksite lactation programs at their place of employment can call the BRC. We’re happy to help you develop that program!

Here's a great link to an article about the reform:

Breastfeeding Rooms Hidden in Healthcare Law by Elizabeth Landau of CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/09/breast.feeding.society/index.html?hpt=Sbin

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