Healthy People 2020 Report

Chicago, IL  - Prentice

April 30, 2008

The meeting was attended by 4 IBCLCs, Carol Kolar representing La Leche League and U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, Tracy Torgersen, Cecilia Deslaures, and myself.  We all stepped up to the microphone to present our interests in breastfeeding promotion to prevent chronic illnesses.  Tracy was #3 and I was #6.  In my presentation, I used the USLCA Talking Points, but added a sentence on insurance reimbursement for lactation consults and breastpumps for working moms, and in medical necessities when clinically indicated as infant slow weight gains or low maternal milk supply.  In my opening statement, I gave them the ILCA website’s address because the panel kept referencing to their specific websites, so I made the statement to them that I wanted to refer them to my professional site.  I hope at least one of them documented it and follows my direction to view it.

 The Healthy People Users Panel consisted of Patrick Remington, M.D., Monica Buhlig, MPH, Margaret Schmelzer, MS, RN of NORC, and Maichle Bacon, MPH.  Monica’s introduction consisted of past experience at director-level in maternity care.  Currently Monica is program manager for Denver Healthy People 2010.  Margaret is Director of Public Health Nursing and Health Policy at Wisconsin Dept. of Health and Family Services.  Consequently, I described the need for “policy change and legislation” in the discontinuation of the marketing of breast milk substitutes for expectant families in health care settings.  Health disparity was discussed by the panel, and therefore, I emphasized the disparity currently existing for the patients we serve in terms of insurance coverage. The rest of the public comments consisted of mostly LGBT young people concerns.  I learned a new term!  LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.  There were approx. 8 or 9 presenters from the Chicago area and Madison, Wisc.  They informed us that tobacco use, alcoholism, drug abuse, and bullying are frequent problems in this population related to the stressful living conditions.  They stated they have no data thus far.  They would like the data to designate their specific concerns so that data can begin to be reported.  There needs to be more affordable treatment programs, including psychology treatment. Other than the LGBT needs, there were about 3 midwife presenters, and each one discussed needs from prenatal through childbirth, and inclusive of breastfeeding.  I thought that was neat!  The group definitely heard the issues of breastfeeding and its relevance of prevention for chronic illnesses from at least 7-8 presenters.  The rest of the presenters consisted of one advocate for child abuse prevention, one for domestic violence prevention, and several presenters regarding school health needs.    

Respectfully Submitted, 

Carol Chamblin, RN, APN, IBCLC - USLCA BOD