Public Information-Gathering Session
Understanding Breastfeeding Promotion, Initiation and Support Across the United States

The Committee on Understanding Breastfeeding Promotion, Initiation and Support Across the United States is holding a virtual public information-gathering session. The committee will gather input from experts in the field on topics relevant to the study statement of task with an in-depth look at how perinatal mental health and economic influences impact breastfeeding rates.

Topics discussed may include:

• The role or impact of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders on breastfeeding and infant feeding, along with promising policies and practices to ensure screening and treatment
• Opportunities and barriers to addressing perinatal mental health while supporting breastfeeding outcomes, and challenges that individuals, families, and communities face in meeting their breastfeeding goals
• Economic influences or factors that can impact breastfeeding, which may include return to work (or school) policies, parental and family leave policies and the role of health systems and insurers

The session will be live webcast on the event page and archived online. There are opportunities for public comment, as time allows.

Speakers Include:

• Joy Burkhard, Founder and Executive Director, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
• Karen Tabb Dina, Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work, Faculty Affiliate, Carle Foundation Hospital, the Lemann Institute for Brazilian Studies, and the Women and Gender in Global Perspectives
• Kay Matthews, Founder and Executive Director, Shades of Blue
• Katheryn (Kadee) Russ, Professor and Chair of Economics, University of California, Davis
• Briana Jegier, Associate Professor and Program Chair, Baptist Health Sciences University
• Rita Hamad, Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University

Jennifer E. Moore, Founding Executive Director, Institute for Medicaid Innovation