On June 22nd, Jeff Hild, Policy Director, delivered Redstone Center testimony before the DC Council Committee on Health in support of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Act, which would require all District hospitals with a maternity ward to adopt the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" model by 2025. "Currently, two District hospitals—Medstar Georgetown and Medstar Washington Hospital Center—are certified as “Baby-Friendly.” While other hospitals in the District have adopted some baby friendly policies and practices, moving toward full adoption across the District will ensure that all new mothers, regardless of race or what Ward they live in have the supports they need to breastfeed, should they decide that’s the best choice for them and their infant." Find the full testimony here.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the DC Breastfeeding Coalition also testified in support of the legislation and a Department of Health witness testified that the Mayor supports the substance of the legislation. Council will be in recess for most of July and August, but may move the legislation later in the year.