Volume 8, Issue 4 | August 7, 2020
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is pleased to share new breastfeeding data just released today by the CDC. Kansas now ranks in the TOP 10 of states with high rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. See our State of Breastfeeding in Kansas 2020 report for more information about breastfeeding in Kansas.
From Dr. Sarah Jolley, KBC Chair

I can’t believe it’s August already! As someone who works at a university and also has small children, I am keenly aware that this is back to school season. The stores are full of school supplies…fresh packs of crayons, #2 pencils, and lots of hand sanitizer. Back to school time looks a little different year, but I know my children (and I) are ready for the added structure and routine. In addition, fall is my favorite time of year, so I feel like I have something to look forward to now. Hopefully you are finding things to look forward to as well.

I was excited to check out the most recent State of Breastfeeding in Kansas report, and I hope you will take time to look at it too. Kansas now ranks 10th in the nation for exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months – up from 27th just two years ago! While we have made great progress in some areas, there is still progress to be made in other areas. As we work to continue improving these numbers, we want to hear from you. Our in-person listening tour dates are still on hold, but we would encourage you to share your stories, experiences, thoughts, and insights about breastfeeding in Kansas through our online platform: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ThoughtsBreastfeeding. As always, please feel free to reach out to us directly at [email protected]. Thank you!
GENERAL MEETING

Friday, August 14 | 12-1 p.m.

Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/690080925
Or dial (872) 240-3212; Access Code: 690-080-925

12:00 Welcome & Introductions 
12:05 Welcome new KBC Board member: Jennie Toland 
12:10 Diving into the Data: New state breastfeeding data from CDC 
12:20 Co-Executive Director job announcement 
12:40 Updates: 
  • KBC Sections – Section Chairs 
  • Breastfeeding Courses 
  • Kansas Breastfeeding Conference Updates 
  • COVID-19: AAP & CDC update rooming-in guidance 
12:50 Sharing 
1:00 Adjourn 
NEWS

STATE

KBC Job Announcement - The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC) is seeking a Co-Executive Director to provide direction and policy strategy for the KBC, working closely with the Board of Directors, current staff, and KBC partners. He/she will share leadership of the KBC with the current Executive Director. Details available here.
KBC Board Member Transitions – The KBC thanks Lori Raile for her service on the KBC Board and welcomes Jennie Toland who has graciously accepted the Board’s appointment to serve the remainder of Lori’s term (Feb. 2022).  You can read about Jennie and all KBC Board members here.
NEW Hospital Practices Report (mPINC) - The 2018 Kansas mPINC report is out!  There is reason to celebrate in Kansas! Continue Reading
Congratulations to:
  •  Ford County, the newest “Community Supporting Breastfeeding”! Building on their success with Dodge City’s “Community Supporting Breastfeeding” designation last summer, their hard work and dedication is intensifying that culture of breastfeeding support in Ford County with fewer barriers to breastfeeding and increased opportunities for support.
  • AdventHealth Ottawa Pediatricshas earned a four-star Kansas Breastfeeding Friendly Practice Designation by the Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics.
  • Signal Theory in Wichita and Nemaha County Community Health Services for receiving the Gold level “Breastfeeding Employee Support Award” from the KBC.
  • Little Blessings Childcare in Salina for being recognized as a “Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Provider” by Child Care Aware of Kansas. They are the 40th child care provider to earn this designation. Know a child care provider who would like to receive this designation? More information HERE.

 
Opportunity to Share Your Thoughts About Breastfeeding in Kansas
Help us learn about the landscape of breastfeeding in Kansas and the role the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition can play in creating a state where breastfeeding is normal and supported. Only 5 quick questions. Thank you in advance! Click HERE
NATIONAL

August is National Breastfeeding Month! This year’s theme of “Many Voices United” reminds us that now, more than ever, we must come together to identify and implement the policy and systems changes that are needed to ensure that every family that chooses breastfeeding has the support and resources they need to succeed. Continue Reading

New Breastfeeding Data from the CDC – national and state-level data is now available for U.S. children born in 2017.  Data broken down by sociodemographic factors show that racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates persist. 
 
Share your insights on how the pandemic is impacting infant feeding – The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee wants to hear from a broad representation of people from communities across the country, including pregnant and breastfeeding families, public health employees, health care facility  management/administration, health care providers and allied health workers, and beyond.
NEW RESOURCES

Save the DatesThe KBC’s 2020 Breastfeeding Conference will be online this year. Please save the dates and times below. Attend the full conference or just the days that work for you. 

Community Engagement Sessions
October 27 & 28 
(8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. each day)
FREE Registration

Hot Topics in Clinical Lactation
October 29 & 30 
(8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. each day)
Continuing Education Available 
(nurses, dietitians, CERPS)
$65 Registration for Both Days

We are excited to be offering the Whova platform to deliver an interactive experience with opportunities to network and attend smaller virtual "meet-ups" to talk with fellow attendees. Sessions will be recorded and available to attendees for 6 months after the conference. Registration will open in August. We can't wait to "see" you all!
 
Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Provider Toolkit – designed to provide child care providers with the guidance and resources need to successfully achieve the “Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Provider Designation” from Child Care Aware of Kansas. It includes an updated list of Breastfeeding Friendly Children’s Books and Toys. These are products of the KBC’s Child Care Section.

Other new resources: 

Perinatal Provider Mental Health Training and Learning Collaborative – September 15, 22, & 29, 12 – 1 pm. Details and registration here.

Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc. | 785.477.4666 | ksbreastfeeding.org