PA-Breastfeeding Coalition Minutes, January 19, 2005 - Bridge call

Present by Phone:

Jeanne Spencer, Nellie Wiancko, Christy Zacchero, Stephanie Weaver, Karen
Nelson, Helen Vermilyn, Dawn Blanchard, Kathie Wagner, Theresa Wirtner,
Martha Kautz, Ruth Solomon, Chris Mulford, Deborah Bogan

Treasurer's report: In the absence of the Treasurer, Jeanne read the
treasurer's report, which included a balance of approximately $2500.00.

Meeting Dates and Places:

April 20, 2005 -- Ramada Inn, Somerset, PA

July 27, 2005 -- Fredrickson Center in Harrisburg, PA

October 19, 2005 -- Southridge Inn, State College, PA.

Election of Officers: Jeanne will be sending information concerning
nominations in April and the election date.

Web site: There were favorable comments on the web site and agreement that
it was well done and very user friendly. Karen Foard or Jeanne Spencer are
to be contacted for any additions or correction to the site and Karen Nelson
may also be contacted to keep the site up to date. The speaker listing will
be updated as well as the meeting dates and places. Conferences and
Meetings will be added as information is received and any new guidelines
will also be added as well as links to other sites.

Chris Mulford announced that PROLC and the Maternity Care Coalition in
Eastern PA are meeting to refine the procedure to get breast pumps to the
low income population that is currently mandated to receive pumps via
medical assistance. Medical assistance bulletins were listed and can be
found by contacting Ms Bert Barrett Bantz, or the person who took her place,
by phone at 717-772-6284. The State Insurance Commissioner is M. Diane
Koken.

Insurance was discussed by Chris and Jeanne and Jeanne will re-email the
draft of a letter she composed regarding the coverage of the cost of
breastpumps for mothers needing pumps for situations where separation from
their baby is necessary.

The breastfeeding mini-grants were discussed and many applications have been
made and are being considered. One grant per tax ID# will be considered. A
packet was made up from information on the PA Department of Health web site:
www.health.state.pa.us <http://www.health.state.pa.us/> . In the search box
at the top of the page, enter: Mini-grant Breastfeeding, click on GO and
the application information will appear. In the body of this page,
Attachment A and Attachment B may be pulled up as directed. There is
information at the bottom of the initial pages on who to contact for
information or questions: Wanda Vierthaler or Candance Sanderson. Dawn is
applying to do billboards on breastfeeding in connection with a statewide
billboard company.

AD Council billboard sightings were brought up: some in PA and in New York
State. The entry with the black background and white letters was seen.
Discussion on the possible unacceptability of the other billboard ads and
the TV spots was discussed. Pictures will be brought to the April meeting
for further discussion.

Kathy Romberger had a suggestion which was presented by Karen Nelson: Kathy
thinks it would be a good idea for our group to be present at the Exhibit
and Farm Show in Harrisburg which is held during the second week in January
each year. The assignment was given to contact Cindy Maki who should have
knowledge of who to contact to be a part of this event.

Dawn will look into doing a display at the PA Association of Sustainable
Agriculture that is putting emphasis on safe foods with a minimum of
pollutants. She is also in the process of researching the Omega 3 fatty
acids and nutrition supplementation of pregnant women to produce milk that
is higher in the Omega 3 fatty acids. The has a case study with a local
nurse who took the Omega 3 supplements while pregnant. She will report more
at the April meeting.

Theresa in Erie reported that Mini-grants are being sought in her area to
promote breastfeeding.

Karen Nelson announced a PAMILC meeting will be in State College on February
25. They are selling calendars with pictures of babies and families with
older children as she presented at the October meeting. They had a second
printing to meet the demand and have some remaining copies available for
$10.00 +.60 tax + mailing costs. Contact her for your copy.

Helen Vermilyn told of the application for a Mini-grant to put breastfeeding
posters in buses for a year. Hale's books were given to MDs and In-services
given with a clinic project.

Martha explained the impact of AAP guidelines on hyperbilirubinemia and what
she has done to educate nurses and physicians as her hospital. The AAP
guidelines can be found at www.aap.org web site. These are more aggressive
and more easily misinterpreted by JCOH. Safety comities must address these
changes.

Kathy Wagner told of a proposal for peer counselor project in her county and
a 30 anniversary and community recognition for mother's counselors.

Ruth Solomon explained a breastfeeding promotion project with posters
addressing the 10 Breastfeeding Friendly steps and an education day during
World Breastfeeding Week. Also an announcement of the La Leche League
meeting in Washington, DC from June 30 to July 5, 2005.
Dr. Deborah Bogan contributed some information of jaundice problems. She
also described the new referral system that the Childrens Hospital of
Pittsburgh Primary Care Clinic has set up with the local Allegheny County
Health Department Lactation Consultants working with the WIC Breastfeeding
Promotion Program. A referral form is used for the mother and pediatrician
to sign to give permission for the information to be passed on to the LCs
for contact. The mother must be a WIC participant in for the LCs to provide
services other than phone contact. The referral form will be sent to Jeanne
to be shared with those interested.

A reminder was given to check the PABC Website for meeting information at up
dates on topics of interest.

Respectfully submitted for your additions and corrections,

Nellie R. Wiancko, MS, IBCLC
Lactation Constutant
WIC Program Breastfeeding Promotion Program
Allegheny County Health Department
Investment Building 3rd Floor
412-350-3162
nwiancko@achd.net