I attended an interesting meeting yesterday of the Texas Maternal Child
Health coalition.  A couple of other lactnetters, Chan McDermott and Julie
Graves Moy were also there, so the group was seeded with staunch
breastfeeding advocates -- although the subj was not focused on feeding.
 Rather, people from various entities and agencies serving mothers and
children were there (along with a rep. from the AFLCIO) to discuss the
ramifications of the new fed budget decisions on service to this population.
 The cuts look deep.
  Some good may come of these changes, as there was talk of trying to mount a
new child advocacy campaign which would unite the various advocacy groups
(which often seem to work at cross purposes, or who seem unaware of each
others efforts.) A sub-committee was formed to investigate the possibility of
forging a bipartisan, grass roots political organization (maybe a PAC) and to
identify an agenda of essential elements critical to MC health which could be
lobbied for in Congress.  If the tobacco lobby can manipulate funds and
protect its interest there ought to be a way to mobilize for child health.
 Any way, I'm posting about this because I bet there are similar groups
meeting in all the states to discuss the projections for their states block
grant dollars.  I wasn't invited, but they didn't throw me out.  I believe we
who have worked so long for recognition of the importance of human milk
should be on committees like this.

It was also a good chance to mention Dr. Labboks candidacy for Surgeon Gen.
and  to describe her qualifications to a group of people who have connections
and hopefully imput into that process.
Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSE, IBCLC
priv. pract. Austin, Tx