Logo 10 - Dolly Moore
BuiltWithNOF
June 28 Conf Call

Texas Breastfeeding Coalition

Minutes of the June 28, 2006 Conference Call

Participants:

Maribeth Blue, Nicole Larrabee, Kimberley Traylor, Linda Jackson, Laurie Beck, Diana Cordova, Veronica Riojas, Krystal Revai, Judy Hopkinson, Annette Frantz, Cathy Liles, Patty Stone, Kathy Parkes, Hitesh Bakshi, Tracy Erickson, Hellen Sullivan, Jewell Stremler, Mary Van Eck, Ellen Phillips, Barbara Wilson Clay, Jennifer White, Marsha ?

The meeting began with a discussion of the proposal for the TXBC logo contest led by Janet Rourke. The group decided that ts should be a statewide contest. It was suggested that we get space donated in the newspapers to announce the contest. Another person said they could send an email through their facility announcing the contest. Barbara Wilson Clay suggested that we target specific groups for the contest - art schools, graphic designers, ad agencies and decide who would judge the contest. The prize was then discussed. Janet Rourke suggested $100. Someone suggested the prize might be registration to an upcoming conference we would be sponsoring. Krystal Revai suggested that we might obtain sponsorship for the logo prize - possibly Baby Depot or Babies R Us. Judy Hopkinson suggested that we could bring this up at the stakeholder luncheon and offer to let one of the stakeholder organizations sponsor the logo prize. Janet requested a committee to help her develop and implement the logo contest. Inez Anchondo from El Paso and Patty Stone from Austin volunteered to serve on a logo contest committee. 

Stakeholder invitations were reviewed by Mary Beth Blue. The stakeholder list has been narrowed to a much smaller list of representatives of key organizations. Organizations were chosen because they a) represent key areas or influences within the state and b) they have a self-identified breastfeeding champion who is likely to be an active participant in coalition activities, and c) an individual currently involved in the coalition knows a key player in the organization and can make a personal contact. In addition, stakeholders were chosen (with the exception of LLL and WIC) whose main purpose or activity is something other than breastfeeding promotion.  The Texas Hospital Association was added to the list and Jewell Stremler was identified as the TXBC member who will make that contact. Inez Anchondo suggested that we also include an organization that represents Hispanic Immigrants. She volunteered to find an appropriate organization and serve as the contact. 

Mary Beth explained that after initial informal contacts are made, TXBC contacts will deliver packets to each potential stakeholder to include a letter of invitation with details about the stakeholder luncheon, a fact sheet describing the TXBC, and a membership application. (The fact sheet was distributed previously, and the membership application is posted on the web site.)

The Stakeholder Luncheon and Kickoff event: The stakeholder luncheon will be held on October 6 at Akin Gump in Austin. Rani Garcia confirmed that the facilities are available. Funding: Akin Gump will provide facilities and catering. Medela will provide some funds for travel for non-profit representatives and in cases of hardship. Other agencies have been requested to provide funds. Three items were identified for inclusion in the luncheon program:

    • Sponsorship of the logo contest
    • Organizational letters of support for legislation to be introduced into the TX legislature in 2007 providing for licensure of lactation consultants
    • Assistance in distribution of an infant feeding in emergencies poster to be prepared by the TX DSHS

Membership, sponsorship, and code compliance: A discussion was tabled regarding acceptance of funds and membership from organizations that are not officially compliant with the WHO code. One of the members pointed out that Medela is on the list of organizations that are not code compliant. There was considerable discussion about the basis of the code and the criteria for non-compliance. Barbara Wilson Clay pointed out that there is little solid scientific evidence to indicate that use of bottles and feeding teats undermine breastfeeding success. More research is needed. Cathy Liles pointed out that the code is concerned not just with manufacture and sale, but also with advertising. The impact of advertising these devices has received no scientific attention and may be of greater concern than the actual use of these devices. These issues are important, but do not provide clear guidance regarding membership / sponsorship by organizations who are not code compliant.

A final decision on strict TXBC code adherence was deferred to a later date and the following temporary policy was adopted: “The TXBC will not accept funds or membership from organizations in violation of the code due to the manufacture or marketing of infant formula. However, organizations whose sole violation of the code is the manufacture or marketing of feeding teats and devices will be considered on an individual basis.” Accordingly, the two pump companies already participating in the TXBC were recognized as valid participants with one abstention. No other organizations technically in violation of the code will be invited to participate until the full issue is resolved. 

Ban the Bag – Barbara Wilson Clay reported on the history and progress of a national ban the bag campaign now being spearheaded by the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition in collaboration with representatives from around the country. The kickoff for the nation-wide campaign will be in July at the ILCA conference. Barbara is preparing a talking points document to be included in the campaign packet. The materials should be available on line in time for WBD events this August. 

In addition, Barbara reported on the status of the Texas LC licensure bill which will most likely be introduced in the coming legislative session. Progress is currently on hold while Rep Villareal’s aid is out on maternity leave. 

Reports from the field:

Set date for next General meeting in Austin - Jan or Feb 2007

 Will set by e-mail.

El Paso: Inez Anchondo reported that El Paso WIC will be publishing stories about breastfeeding and working mothers once a month in a local paper.  She strongly recommended the book: Hirkanis’ Daughter – from LLL which describes the inspirational efforts of an Indian mother to breastfeed her daughter while she worked. 

TX WIC: Tracy Erickson reported that

  • the theme for WBD 2006: “It’s perfectly natural” will be using WIC only items, but the poster can be ordered by local groups – e-mail
  • WIC’s “breastfeeding welcome here” stickers are not being well received by retailers and we may need to target doctors offices. Retailers seem to feel it is a non-issue. The promotion is being re-evaluated and likely revised. Meanwhile, she offered a limited number of stickers for local distribution. The following sites asked for 100 each and agreed to record the locations where these stickers were posted. TXDSHS will keep track, and the TXBC will record the number of placements and locations as well as one of our activities for the year
  • San Antonio, Dallas, Harris County, Corpus Christi
  • TX DSHS: Will produce a breastfeeding in emergencies poster (concept developed in consultation with BWC, JH, TE, JS, and others) DSHS is currently looking for a hurricane picture to use in the poster. Tracy Erickson said they will put a short target date on this project so that it can be introduced at the stakeholder meeting on Oct. 6.

AABA and the Village: Kimberley Traylor reported that these organizations are sponsoring an extensive 2-day family event which will feature a wide variety of activities during world breastfeeding month.  

PHOTO RECORD: All TXBC participants are asked to take digital photos of their WBD events to be posted on a scrap book on the web site. Photos should be sent to Janet Rourke 

 

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