Dear LACTNETTERS - On 1/31/07, I posted regarding the new NYS Breastfeeding
Bill of Rights that is being discussed by the state legislators in Albany,
NY.  Some of you have written to me privately for more information, and I
have responded as much as possible.  I also would like to respond on LACTNET
so that everyone has the information and I would like to give all of you an
update.  Without further contact, I give my permission to copy/forward and
pass this on to others who would be interested.  We want this bill to be
passed ASAP, not years from now.

 

If you live and/or work in NYS, please consider contacting the Senator and
Assemblyperson for the respective areas, asking them to support this bill
when it is discussed/voted on.  Hopefully, the legislators will be inundated
with encouragement to support the bill.  Everyone is asked to check back
with their legislators' offices periodically to remind them how important
this is for the health of children and women; they may also want to ask how
the legislators have supported our efforts.  (That usually moves them to sit
up and take notice!)  :-)

 

Old info:

-  The NYS Breastfeeding Coalition has been organizing this effort. (I
recently learned of the coalition; it has been in existence since March
2005).

-  The Breastfeeding Bill of Rights has 3 parts, each covering a different
aspect of breastfeeding protection:  

1.  in the hospital and in the community

2.  in the workplace

3.  in the WIC program (WIC is a federally subsidized program that provides
nutritional assistance (economical/educational) for Women, Infants, and
Children)

 

Current info:

-  The Breastfeeding Bill of Rights has two numbers in the NYS legislature:

1.  in the Senate it is:     S1674

2.  in the Assembly:       A3782

      -  The sponsors of the bill, in their respective chambers, are:

1.  Senator Liz Krueger

2.  Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther

      -  Several legislators promised their support for the bill after our
visits to their offices on 1/30/07.  (Remember the famous quote:  Never
doubt that a small group of

   thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the
only thing that ever has ~ Margaret Mead)

 

 

For those who want to contact the NYS Breastfeeding Coalition, here is the
information:

Patty Lane and Trish MacEnroe

518-453-0227

[log in to unmask]

 

and

Trish MacEnroe, Director

NYS WIC Training Center

8 Executive Park Drive

Albany, NY 12203

 

(518) 453-0227

(518) 453-0299 fax

[log in to unmask]

 

The organizers in that group would love to know of your interest and would
surely add you to their contact list for updates.  As a member of the
coalition, you can become more involved on the state level and lend a hand
with its efforts.  We all appreciate whatever you can do.

 

Warm regards,

Lee

 

Lee Galasso, MS, LLLL, IBCLC, RLC

Lactation Specialist

Lactation Center of Westchester/Putnam

Westchester County in NYS, USA

 

914-245-2206

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