New HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding: Have Your Say!
This week we have a great way for you to get involved and have you say about breastfeeding and how you can bring about change in breastfeeding policy in the United States. Breastfeeding is by far the best choice for you and your baby. If you have any doubts, take a look at Reasons to Breastfeed. Unfortunately, modern life can make your commitment to breastfeeding challenging and it’s time society got serious about supporting women’s efforts to give the best to their children. To help moms get the support they need, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) invites you to join in a national discussion on how we can better support breastfeeding moms in America.
The HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding was published in 2000. It was the first comprehensive policy on breastfeeding and formulated a plan for the country based on public input. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) Office on Women’s Health, Office of the Surgeon General, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want your input on a new HHS Call to Action on Breastfeeding. This is your chance to speak up and have your voice heard so we can make real change for the future of breastfeeding policy in this country and increase successful breastfeeding relationships across the United States. The HHS wants to hear what you have to say about “policies, activities, or other initiatives to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding … (and) are especially interested in new ideas that will increase equity in breastfeeding rates among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Ideas should build on programs and policies that are recognized to be effective or evidence-based … (They) welcome suggestions to adopt, expand, implement, research, or improve existing strategies.”
Instead of being frustrated by feeling unsupported in your efforts to breastfeed you baby, stand up and ask for what you need and help future mothers to get the breastfeeding support they need too. Share your comments at http://www.blsmeetings.net/owh_call_to_action_on_breastfeeding/index.cfm
Tips to help you with your feedback:
“On the right side of the page are 12 topic areas for you to submit your comments. Individuals and organizations may comment on any or all of the 12 areas. In addition, you may wish to read and comment on comments from others in any of the topic areas. We very much appreciate your participation in this important work. All recommendations will be considered by the Steering Committee of Federal representatives from the HHS Office on Women’s Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Indian Health Service, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, and the Office of the Surgeon General.”
This is our chance to really make a difference and change the face of breastfeeding in America today. The deadline is 31 May 2009. Share your voice at http://www.blsmeetings.net/owh_call_to_action_on_breastfeeding/index.cfm
