Relating to the development of an actionable strategic plan to promote and support breastfeeding in the state

This bill requires the department of public health (DPH) to convene stakeholders from various sectors to develop an actionable breastfeeding quality improvement strategic plan to determine the framework necessary to maximize breastfeeding support and improve the breastfeeding rate among all mothers in the state. The bill specifies that the strategic plan shall include goals and strategies by identifying potential system interventions and establishing a consistent approach relative to maternity care and hospital practices; workplace, peer, mother and family, and health care professional supports and education; and media and social marketing messaging. The strategic plan shall include steps to build collaborative partnerships and local coalitions to follow updated evidence-based best practices, policies, and procedures in supporting breastfeeding as the preferred long-term infant feeding method. The stakeholder group shall review the state’s existing policies, practices, and initiatives; analyze existing data and make recommendations for strengthening the state’s data collection and evaluation capabilities; and analyze other state and national laws, strategic plans, initiatives, and programs to determine those which may be replicated or modified to meet the goals and strategies identified by the stakeholder group, including those specified in the bill. DPH shall submit the strategic plan to the governor and the general assembly by July 1, 2021.