By Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD November is Prematurity Awareness Month. World Prematurity Day is November 17. In the US and across the world, approximately 10% of babies are born too early, before 37 weeks gestation. That’s 15 million babies a year across the globe. As a general rule, babies remain in the NICU until they […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/DSC6270.jpg10651600Ann Marie Lindquisthttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngAnn Marie Lindquist2023-11-13 16:25:002023-11-13 16:25:00Unique Advocacy Opportunity for Prematurity Awareness Month
By Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD It’s time to submit written testimony for the Massachusetts pump bill. In this post we explain how to do that and what to say. A bill mandating insurance coverage for high-quality multi-user breast pumps for mothers and their sick, hospitalized babies is before the Massachusetts legislature, specifically the Committee for […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-joseph-aduratomi-18797675-scaled.jpg17072560Ann Marie Lindquisthttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngAnn Marie Lindquist2023-10-29 16:05:042023-10-30 09:26:21Pump Bill Written Testimony: What to Say and How to Submit
By Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD As you may know, Massachusetts Senate Bill S.600 / House Bill H.967, An act improving access to breast pumps, will receive a hearing with the Financial Services Committee on Tuesday, October 17. If you want to find out all about the hearing, go to our action alert post. If you’d […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_1291.jpg10671600Ann Marie Lindquisthttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngAnn Marie Lindquist2023-10-09 21:17:292023-10-09 21:17:29Providing testimony for the pump bill? Read this
We have a hearing date for the Massachusetts pump bill! Senate Bill S.600 / House Bill H.967, An act improving access to breast pumps, was referred to the Financial Services Committee for a hearing on Tuesday, 17 October, 10 am-1 pm. Now is the time to share your story, knowledge, and experience. Your voice matters! […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Action-alert-blog.jpg480640Ann Marie Lindquisthttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngAnn Marie Lindquist2023-10-08 18:31:122023-10-09 21:21:39Action Alert: Testify at Pump Bill Hearing
As we close out National Breastfeeding Month, we look to the past and to the future through the eyes of a pioneer in the field, Kay Hoover. By Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD Kay Hoover is a pioneer in lactation consulting, a thoughtful and forceful breastfeeding advocate. We are so fortunate that she has relocated to […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Kay-Hoover-blog-photo-books.jpg9241640Ann Marie Lindquisthttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngAnn Marie Lindquist2023-08-30 23:17:442023-08-30 23:17:44Spotlight on Lactation Pioneer Kay Hoover
By Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD In 2022 British visual artist Sarah Maple exhibited her installation “Labour of Love” in Rotterdam, Holland. Sarah’s description: “‘Labour of Love’ is a visual depiction of the 650 times our baby was fed over three months. There are 650 images of myself and my baby, each representing a feed, each […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-asset.jpeg10001000Ann Marie Lindquisthttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngAnn Marie Lindquist2023-08-01 21:03:152023-08-01 21:03:15Breastfeeding: A "Labour of Love"
By Emily Sylvester, MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC At our October 2 conference, Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition President Emily Sylvester will present a session on branding your services as a lactation consultant, including the latest information on digital health innovation. Here’s a sneak preview of Emily’s insights as a digital health innovator in the lactation field. Motherhood is […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Emily-blog.jpg450630Ann Marie Lindquisthttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngAnn Marie Lindquist2023-06-01 12:05:402023-06-01 12:05:40Revolutionizing Lactation Care through Digital Health Innovation
If you’re an expectant parent, you might wonder if you should see a lactation consultant in the hospital, at home, or both. If you’re an aspiring IBCLC, you might wonder whether hospital practice or private practice is right for you. To learn more about both options, we spoke with Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition board member Tasha […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IBCLC-blog-post-.jpg788940Ann Marie Lindquisthttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngAnn Marie Lindquist2023-04-30 22:19:452023-04-30 22:19:45Lactation Consultants at the Hospital and at Home: A Continuum of Care
Breastfeeding is fundamental to public health. To learn more about the role our own state government plays in supporting breastfeeding, we interviewed Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition board member Ellen Tolan about her work in public health. It’s National Public Health Week. You work for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), which must include many programs […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NPHW-Ellen-blog.jpg450674Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2023-04-03 16:07:212023-04-03 16:07:21Advancing Public Health Through Breastfeeding: Meet Ellen Tolan
A new bill, An act improving access to breast pumps, has been introduced to the Massachusetts legislature. The bill mandates insurance coverage for multi-user double pumps, supplies, and lactation consultant consultation for preterm and other vulnerable babies. Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition and others will be advocating for passage of this bill. We will offer guidance, updates, and […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Action-alert-blog.jpg480640Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2023-03-13 17:40:132023-04-01 17:34:27Action Alert: Contact Your Legislators to Co-Sponsor Pump Bill
By Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD Over the last several months, a team of breastfeeding advocates has worked with Senator Cynthia Creem and Representative Dan Carey to draft SD.629, “An Act improving access to breast pumps,” which they introduced in both state legislative houses in January 2023. This bill is important to improve equity in breastfeeding […]
By Melissa Bartick, MD, MS, MPH, FABM and Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC The 2023 Lancet Series on Breastfeeding explores how the value of breastfeeding is wasted by governments and public health, and how the vulnerabilities of women and children are exploited by the commercial milk formula (CMF) industry. The three-part series explores the strategies used […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lancet-blog-photo.jpg450702Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2023-02-21 18:47:182023-02-21 18:47:18Lancet Series on Breastfeeding Exposes Exploitive Marketing of Infant Formula
By Moryn Mendoza, MA, IBCLC Did you know that WIC participants in Massachusetts have access to a full range of breastfeeding support, from Breastfeeding Peer Counselors to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants? As soon as you are pregnant, or at any point during your breastfeeding journey, your local WIC office can assign you a Peer […]
Hi Brittany! You’re the National Director of ZipMilk. What is ZipMilk? ZipMilk provides access to lactation support by ZIP Code. It is designed for use by families searching for help with breast and chest feeding, as well as by providers who want to give their clients access to such support. Access to all resources is […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Brittany-with-kids-for-blog.jpg450780Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2022-12-21 12:37:032022-12-21 12:37:03ZipMilk National Director Juggles Five Kids and Thousands of ZIP Codes
By Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition’s three pillars—advocate, educate, collaborate—apply to our work everywhere, every day. As Prematurity Awareness Month draws to a close, it is worthwhile to think about how to apply our mission to this unique segment of our community. Preterm birth is any baby born at less than 37 weeks […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2021-10-03 10:05:502021-10-03 10:05:5010 Steps to Making Plenty of Milk
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2021-10-03 10:03:572021-10-03 10:03:57Breastfeeding When You Go Home
JUNE 19, 2020 As a community, the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition (MBC) feels compelled to take a stand and speak out during these important and pivotal times. The racial injustices that plague this country have perpetuated a culture that does not support, respect, or value the lives of black and brown people. We stand in solidarity […]
The following breastfeeding consultation services are available from breastfeeding experts in MA through Telehealth services. Some services can be reimbursed by insurance. Families are encouraged to check with their individual insurance providers regarding coverage of lactation help. This is not an exclusive list and additional breeastfeeding help, free and paid, can be found at ZipMilk.org […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/MWP-18.jpg300400Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2020-04-05 19:50:222021-02-02 02:40:30TELEHEALTH AND GETTING EXPERT BREASTFEEDING HELP
In these times of ever-changing information and in-the-moment decisions, we are turning to the recommendations from WHO and UNICEF for guidance with COVID-19 and breastfeeding. All data here is updated 4.30.2020. According to WHO: FAQs: Breastfeeding and Covid-19 For Healthcare Workers April 28, 2020 “Mothers and infants should be enabled to remain together and […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2019-09-09 20:42:352021-03-15 17:27:53Order Your MBC Buttons and Licenses
The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition* (MBC) has served breastfeeding families in Massachusetts for over 20 years. Public health begins with breastfeeding and MBC is dedicated to protecting, promoting and supporting the efforts of breastfeeding initiatives and organizations across the commonwealth; with the relaunch of our beautiful new website we also have a brand new set of […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2019-08-29 18:54:002019-08-29 18:54:00The Giving Tree of MBC
We have a problem on our hands people. This problem is putting our moms and babies at risk for misleading infant feeding information and interfering with the breastfeeding support that all moms deserve. See exhibit A below: Importance of Exhibit A: Violation of WHO Code circa 1981: THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN IN THE FALL […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2019-08-22 18:44:292023-01-26 13:18:18Busted! Breastfeeding Violations Right Here in MA
It’s my birthday – give me a hug! Skin–to-Skin Contact for You and Your Baby Birthday Hug Printable PDF What’s “Skin-to-Skin”? Skin-to-skin means your baby is placed belly-down, directly on your chest, right after she is born. Your care provider dries her off, puts on a hat, and covers her with a warm blanket, and […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00Emily Sylvesterhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngEmily Sylvester2019-08-22 18:24:502021-10-03 09:54:30It’s my birthday – give me a hug!
Breastfeeding is perfectly legal in most public places in Massachusetts. Under Mass. General Law chapter 111, section 221, it says: “A mother may breastfeed her child in any public place where the mother and her child may otherwise lawfully be present.” No person or entity shall “restrict, harass or penalize a mother” who is breastfeeding […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00lilhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pnglil2019-06-04 16:21:582021-10-03 09:56:41Get Your License To Breastfeed
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2012 requires health plans in the United States to cover “breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling by a trained provider during pregnancy and/or in the postpartum period.” However many insurances do not reimburse for lactation support. It is always advisable to check with your particular insurance company to see […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00lilhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pnglil2019-06-04 15:03:572019-06-10 19:59:58Affordable Care Act
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans must cover one breast pump per pregnancy. Most insurance plans offer this benefit with no deductible or co-pay; however, additional upgrades or accessories may not be covered under health insurance plans. Check with your insurer to see which pumps are offered through your plan. It […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00lilhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pnglil2019-05-31 17:42:332019-06-11 12:52:22About Breast Pumps
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00massbreastfeedhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngmassbreastfeed2019-05-29 16:34:592019-10-15 15:28:12Ban the Bags
What Hospitals are Baby-Friendly in Massachusetts? Updated 9.13.2022 The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommend a 100% scale-up of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding at every facility providing maternity and newborn services. Why should I be interested in researching what Massachusetts Hospitals […]
The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition is proud to offer ZipMilk as a tool to families with the breastfeeding help they need! For over 12 years, ZipMilk.org has been providing Massachusetts with reputable breastfeeding resources sorted by zip code. In addition to Massachusetts, there are several other states who use ZipMilk as a way for families to […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00lilhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pnglil2019-05-21 14:47:442019-06-11 13:49:29All About ZipMilk
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was started in 1991 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It consists of Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, developed on the basis of scientific evidence. Baby-Friendly seeks to get every nursing mother and baby off to the best start. Globally the Baby-Friendly Hospital […]
Breastfeeding and employment are compatible, important, and represent a win-win for everybody. Infants experience fewer illnesses, mothers use less sick days to care for their ill infant, and companies benefit from decreased employee turnover, fewer one day absences, and lower health care costs. Breastfeeding employees enjoy some legal protections. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00lilhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pnglil2019-05-17 19:40:182019-06-10 19:59:01Breastfeeding and the Workplace-A resource for Breastfeeding Families
Public policy strongly influences breastfeeding success Too many women struggle with barriers to breastfeeding success. These obstacles can be addressed through policies, legislation, and regulations. 10 things you can do Write to insurance companies about coverage of breastfeeding support and supplies. Give Hospitals and Clinics feedback on how breastfeeding was or was not supported. Have […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00Robinhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngRobin2019-05-15 12:11:402019-06-24 15:14:36Advocacy: What You Can Do
In Massachusetts, we have learned a lot about using the most effective language to get policy-makers to support breastfeeding, after then-Governor Mitt Romney quashed the nation’s first statewide ban on the hospital marketing of baby formula. The lessons we have learned can be applied to other aspects of breastfeeding advocacy and make breastfeeding messages more […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00massbreastfeedhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngmassbreastfeed2019-05-10 11:26:302023-01-20 16:32:16Effective Language for Breastfeeding Advocacy
As a constituent, voter, and taxpayer you have the opportunity to bring breastfeeding issues that are important to the community to the attention of local officials. Make your voice heard! Find your state and federal representatives, through the Massachusetts Elections Guide When Contacting Local Officials Consider this: Put it on paper: An email […]
https://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.png00Robinhttps://massbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Asset-1final-300x300.pngRobin2019-05-10 11:18:582022-11-04 20:41:15Contact Your Local Officials
Public policy strongly influences breastfeeding success Too many women struggle with barriers to breastfeeding success. These obstacles can be addressed through policies, legislation, and regulations. 10 things you can do Write to insurance companies about coverage of breastfeeding support and supplies. Give hospitals and clinics feedback on how breastfeeding was or was not supported. Have […]
What is a milk bank? Similar to a blood bank in operation and protocols, a milk bank provides donated, pasteurized human milk to babies in fragile health. When a mother is unable to provide enough milk for her own baby, donor milk can save a baby’s life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends banked donor […]
Unique Advocacy Opportunity for Prematurity Awareness Month
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by Ann Marie LindquistBy Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD November is Prematurity Awareness Month. World Prematurity Day is November 17. In the US and across the world, approximately 10% of babies are born too early, before 37 weeks gestation. That’s 15 million babies a year across the globe. As a general rule, babies remain in the NICU until they […]
Pump Bill Written Testimony: What to Say and How to Submit
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by Ann Marie LindquistBy Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD It’s time to submit written testimony for the Massachusetts pump bill. In this post we explain how to do that and what to say. A bill mandating insurance coverage for high-quality multi-user breast pumps for mothers and their sick, hospitalized babies is before the Massachusetts legislature, specifically the Committee for […]
Providing testimony for the pump bill? Read this
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by Ann Marie LindquistBy Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD As you may know, Massachusetts Senate Bill S.600 / House Bill H.967, An act improving access to breast pumps, will receive a hearing with the Financial Services Committee on Tuesday, October 17. If you want to find out all about the hearing, go to our action alert post. If you’d […]
Action Alert: Testify at Pump Bill Hearing
/in For Parents, For Providers /by Ann Marie LindquistWe have a hearing date for the Massachusetts pump bill! Senate Bill S.600 / House Bill H.967, An act improving access to breast pumps, was referred to the Financial Services Committee for a hearing on Tuesday, 17 October, 10 am-1 pm. Now is the time to share your story, knowledge, and experience. Your voice matters! […]
Spotlight on Lactation Pioneer Kay Hoover
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by Ann Marie LindquistAs we close out National Breastfeeding Month, we look to the past and to the future through the eyes of a pioneer in the field, Kay Hoover. By Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD Kay Hoover is a pioneer in lactation consulting, a thoughtful and forceful breastfeeding advocate. We are so fortunate that she has relocated to […]
Breastfeeding: A “Labour of Love”
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by Ann Marie LindquistBy Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD In 2022 British visual artist Sarah Maple exhibited her installation “Labour of Love” in Rotterdam, Holland. Sarah’s description: “‘Labour of Love’ is a visual depiction of the 650 times our baby was fed over three months. There are 650 images of myself and my baby, each representing a feed, each […]
Revolutionizing Lactation Care through Digital Health Innovation
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Ann Marie LindquistBy Emily Sylvester, MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC At our October 2 conference, Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition President Emily Sylvester will present a session on branding your services as a lactation consultant, including the latest information on digital health innovation. Here’s a sneak preview of Emily’s insights as a digital health innovator in the lactation field. Motherhood is […]
Lactation Consultants at the Hospital and at Home: A Continuum of Care
/in For Parents, For Providers /by Ann Marie LindquistIf you’re an expectant parent, you might wonder if you should see a lactation consultant in the hospital, at home, or both. If you’re an aspiring IBCLC, you might wonder whether hospital practice or private practice is right for you. To learn more about both options, we spoke with Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition board member Tasha […]
Advancing Public Health Through Breastfeeding: Meet Ellen Tolan
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterBreastfeeding is fundamental to public health. To learn more about the role our own state government plays in supporting breastfeeding, we interviewed Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition board member Ellen Tolan about her work in public health. It’s National Public Health Week. You work for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), which must include many programs […]
Action Alert: Contact Your Legislators to Co-Sponsor Pump Bill
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterA new bill, An act improving access to breast pumps, has been introduced to the Massachusetts legislature. The bill mandates insurance coverage for multi-user double pumps, supplies, and lactation consultant consultation for preterm and other vulnerable babies. Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition and others will be advocating for passage of this bill. We will offer guidance, updates, and […]
Massachusetts Pump Access Bill: The Legislative Journey Ahead
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterBy Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD Over the last several months, a team of breastfeeding advocates has worked with Senator Cynthia Creem and Representative Dan Carey to draft SD.629, “An Act improving access to breast pumps,” which they introduced in both state legislative houses in January 2023. This bill is important to improve equity in breastfeeding […]
Lancet Series on Breastfeeding Exposes Exploitive Marketing of Infant Formula
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterBy Melissa Bartick, MD, MS, MPH, FABM and Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC The 2023 Lancet Series on Breastfeeding explores how the value of breastfeeding is wasted by governments and public health, and how the vulnerabilities of women and children are exploited by the commercial milk formula (CMF) industry. The three-part series explores the strategies used […]
WIC Regional IBCLC Project: We’ve Got You Covered
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterBy Moryn Mendoza, MA, IBCLC Did you know that WIC participants in Massachusetts have access to a full range of breastfeeding support, from Breastfeeding Peer Counselors to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants? As soon as you are pregnant, or at any point during your breastfeeding journey, your local WIC office can assign you a Peer […]
ZipMilk National Director Juggles Five Kids and Thousands of ZIP Codes
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterHi Brittany! You’re the National Director of ZipMilk. What is ZipMilk? ZipMilk provides access to lactation support by ZIP Code. It is designed for use by families searching for help with breast and chest feeding, as well as by providers who want to give their clients access to such support. Access to all resources is […]
Prematurity Awareness: Putting Advocate, Educate, Collaborate into Action
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterBy Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam, PhD Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition’s three pillars—advocate, educate, collaborate—apply to our work everywhere, every day. As Prematurity Awareness Month draws to a close, it is worthwhile to think about how to apply our mission to this unique segment of our community. Preterm birth is any baby born at less than 37 weeks […]
10 Steps to Making Plenty of Milk
/in For Parents /by Emily Sylvester10 Steps to Making Plenty of Milk
Breastfeeding When You Go Home
/in For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterPRINTABLE DISCHARGE HOME HANDOUT
2020 BLACK LIVES MATTER ADVOCACY STATEMENT
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterJUNE 19, 2020 As a community, the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition (MBC) feels compelled to take a stand and speak out during these important and pivotal times. The racial injustices that plague this country have perpetuated a culture that does not support, respect, or value the lives of black and brown people. We stand in solidarity […]
TELEHEALTH AND GETTING EXPERT BREASTFEEDING HELP
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterThe following breastfeeding consultation services are available from breastfeeding experts in MA through Telehealth services. Some services can be reimbursed by insurance. Families are encouraged to check with their individual insurance providers regarding coverage of lactation help. This is not an exclusive list and additional breeastfeeding help, free and paid, can be found at ZipMilk.org […]
COVID-19 and Breastfeeding
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterIn these times of ever-changing information and in-the-moment decisions, we are turning to the recommendations from WHO and UNICEF for guidance with COVID-19 and breastfeeding. All data here is updated 4.30.2020. According to WHO: FAQs: Breastfeeding and Covid-19 For Healthcare Workers April 28, 2020 “Mothers and infants should be enabled to remain together and […]
Order Your MBC Buttons and Licenses
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterThe Giving Tree of MBC
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterThe Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition* (MBC) has served breastfeeding families in Massachusetts for over 20 years. Public health begins with breastfeeding and MBC is dedicated to protecting, promoting and supporting the efforts of breastfeeding initiatives and organizations across the commonwealth; with the relaunch of our beautiful new website we also have a brand new set of […]
Busted! Breastfeeding Violations Right Here in MA
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterWe have a problem on our hands people. This problem is putting our moms and babies at risk for misleading infant feeding information and interfering with the breastfeeding support that all moms deserve. See exhibit A below: Importance of Exhibit A: Violation of WHO Code circa 1981: THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN IN THE FALL […]
It’s my birthday – give me a hug!
/in For Parents, For Providers /by Emily SylvesterIt’s my birthday – give me a hug! Skin–to-Skin Contact for You and Your Baby Birthday Hug Printable PDF What’s “Skin-to-Skin”? Skin-to-skin means your baby is placed belly-down, directly on your chest, right after she is born. Your care provider dries her off, puts on a hat, and covers her with a warm blanket, and […]
Get Your License To Breastfeed
/in For Parents /by lilBreastfeeding is perfectly legal in most public places in Massachusetts. Under Mass. General Law chapter 111, section 221, it says: “A mother may breastfeed her child in any public place where the mother and her child may otherwise lawfully be present.” No person or entity shall “restrict, harass or penalize a mother” who is breastfeeding […]
Affordable Care Act
/in For Parents /by lilThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2012 requires health plans in the United States to cover “breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling by a trained provider during pregnancy and/or in the postpartum period.” However many insurances do not reimburse for lactation support. It is always advisable to check with your particular insurance company to see […]
About Breast Pumps
/in For Parents, For Providers /by lilUnder the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans must cover one breast pump per pregnancy. Most insurance plans offer this benefit with no deductible or co-pay; however, additional upgrades or accessories may not be covered under health insurance plans. Check with your insurer to see which pumps are offered through your plan. It […]
Ban the Bags
/in For Parents, For Providers /by massbreastfeedBaby-Friendly Hospitals in Massachusetts
/in For Parents, For Providers /by lilWhat Hospitals are Baby-Friendly in Massachusetts? Updated 9.13.2022 The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommend a 100% scale-up of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding at every facility providing maternity and newborn services. Why should I be interested in researching what Massachusetts Hospitals […]
Baby-Friendly Collaborative Related Resources
/in For Parents, For Providers /by lilAll About ZipMilk
/in For Parents, For Providers /by lilThe Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition is proud to offer ZipMilk as a tool to families with the breastfeeding help they need! For over 12 years, ZipMilk.org has been providing Massachusetts with reputable breastfeeding resources sorted by zip code. In addition to Massachusetts, there are several other states who use ZipMilk as a way for families to […]
About the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
/in For Parents, For Providers /by RobinThe Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was started in 1991 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It consists of Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, developed on the basis of scientific evidence. Baby-Friendly seeks to get every nursing mother and baby off to the best start. Globally the Baby-Friendly Hospital […]
Breastfeeding and the Workplace-A resource for Breastfeeding Families
/in For Parents, For Providers /by lilBreastfeeding and employment are compatible, important, and represent a win-win for everybody. Infants experience fewer illnesses, mothers use less sick days to care for their ill infant, and companies benefit from decreased employee turnover, fewer one day absences, and lower health care costs. Breastfeeding employees enjoy some legal protections. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care […]
Advocacy: What You Can Do
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by RobinPublic policy strongly influences breastfeeding success Too many women struggle with barriers to breastfeeding success. These obstacles can be addressed through policies, legislation, and regulations. 10 things you can do Write to insurance companies about coverage of breastfeeding support and supplies. Give Hospitals and Clinics feedback on how breastfeeding was or was not supported. Have […]
Effective Language for Breastfeeding Advocacy
/in For Employers, For Parents, For Providers /by massbreastfeedIn Massachusetts, we have learned a lot about using the most effective language to get policy-makers to support breastfeeding, after then-Governor Mitt Romney quashed the nation’s first statewide ban on the hospital marketing of baby formula. The lessons we have learned can be applied to other aspects of breastfeeding advocacy and make breastfeeding messages more […]
Contact Your Local Officials
/in For Parents /by RobinAs a constituent, voter, and taxpayer you have the opportunity to bring breastfeeding issues that are important to the community to the attention of local officials. Make your voice heard! Find your state and federal representatives, through the Massachusetts Elections Guide When Contacting Local Officials Consider this: Put it on paper: An email […]
Breastfeeding Advocacy
/in For Employers, For Members, For Parents, For Providers /by RobinPublic policy strongly influences breastfeeding success Too many women struggle with barriers to breastfeeding success. These obstacles can be addressed through policies, legislation, and regulations. 10 things you can do Write to insurance companies about coverage of breastfeeding support and supplies. Give hospitals and clinics feedback on how breastfeeding was or was not supported. Have […]
About Milk Banks
/in For Parents, For Providers /by lilWhat is a milk bank? Similar to a blood bank in operation and protocols, a milk bank provides donated, pasteurized human milk to babies in fragile health. When a mother is unable to provide enough milk for her own baby, donor milk can save a baby’s life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends banked donor […]