Nourishing Justly
Lactation Consultant & Yoga

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Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act 

• The United States has the worst maternal mortality rate in the developed world, and it continues to rise. It's even worse for Black women who are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from a pregnancy related cause than white women. Racism and misogyny are fueling a maternal public health crisis -- Black mothers and parents deserve quality, anti-racist, and accessible health care.

• Not only are Black women far more likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths than white women, but Black women face more generally preventable complications and are more likely to receive lower-quality treatment in hospitals. And oftentimes, Black women, who report symptoms are not believed.

• In order to address this public health crisis, Rep. Lauren Underwood and members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus introduced comprehensive legislation, the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, to save Black pregnant parents’ lives. Now that Democrats have full control of Washington, we're confident the Momnibus has a path toward becoming law -- but that doesn't mean it won't come without hurdles. That's why we're building public support of this legislation.

• Add your name to become a citizen co-sponsor of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 and let's save Black pregnant parents’ lives.

Email your representatives

Sign this petition here

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Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act

• The United States is one of the only countries without a national paid family and medical leave program. As a result, nearly 1 in 4 mothers return to work just 2 weeks after giving birth. Research clearly shows that access to paid leave makes a world of difference for lactating parents and their families, but only a small portion of workers in the United States have access to paid leave.

• Congress has a chance right now to create a comprehensive and inclusive national paid family and medical leave program by passing the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act. Let's raise our voices together to educate Congress on how a national paid leave program can support breastfeeding, improve health outcomes, and make a difference for American families.

Use this form to email your representatives

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SB 616: Paid Sick + Safe Days:

SB 616 would increase paid sick leave in California from 3 to 7 days, and include Safe Days (used by an employee who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, to seek aid or medical attention, obtain services or counseling, or participate in safety planning).

Use this form to email your representatives

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AB 524: The Family Caregiver Anti-Discrimination

Whether it be parenting children, or caring for a seriously ill loved one, most of us will be caregivers at some point in our lives. It's time to prohibit employers from discriminating against workers based on assumptions associated with caregiving.ct

Use this form to email your representatives

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PUMP Act signed into law!

​The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (S. 1658/H.R. 3110), signed into law on December 29, 2022, makes several important changes to this landmark legislation:

• Provides the right to break time and space to pump breast milk at work to millions more workers, including teachers and nurses

• Makes it possible for workers to file a lawsuit to seek monetary remedies in the event that their employer fails to comply

• Clarifies that pumping time must be paid if an employee is not completely relieved from duty

The legislation went into effect immediately when it was signed, however, the enforcement provision included a 120-day delay, making the effective date for that provision April 28, 2023. In addition, there is a 3-year delay in the implementation of the protections for railway workers. Unfortunately, due to significant industry opposition, the law does not apply to flight attendants and pilots.

More information on expanded rights - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pump-at-work

https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/the-pump-act-explained.html

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Sacramento Breastfeeding Coalition (with Kavisa serving as Secretary) was one of the 230 organizations that signed this supporting letter.

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Urge Congress to Support Black Breastfeeding Week

While the majority of Black families want to breastfeed, many face significant barriers in meeting their breastfeeding goals. This is a life and death matter. Black babies are dying at twice the rate (in some place, nearly triple) the rate of white babies. This horrifying fact is fixable! According to the CDC, increased breastfeeding among Black women could decrease infant mortality rates by as much as 50%. Everyone who becomes pregnant, gives birth, and who is breastfeeding should have access to a safe, healthy, and respectful experience. It is time for Congress to meet the needs of black breastfeeding families and ensure healthy outcomes for mothers and babies.

Sign the petition here

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New year! New Congress! TAKE ACTION NOW!

As a new year and a new Congress begins, please focus on policies and legislation that prioritize the needs of our struggling families and economy. Make sure the following policies are on your “to-do” list for the new Congress and new year:

• Pass affordable, accessible, quality childcare and Pre-K opportunities for all, regardless of race, ZIP code, ability, identity, or any other factor;

• Extend improvements to the Child Tax Credit, including full refundability, and pass tax policies guaranteeing that the wealthy and mega-corporations pay their fair share;

• Strengthen workplace protections by passing paid family/medical leave and earned sick time and advance pay equity by raising the minimum wage and passing pay equity and transparency legislation;

• Secure quality, affordable health care for everyone, including expanding Medicaid coverage, closing the coverage gap, reducing prescription drug prices and increasing access to home- and community-based services and care;

• Advance maternal health, including maternal and adolescent mental health, reproductive health, and access to health care for trans and queer people by passing the Black Maternal Health MOMNIBUS, and the Women’s Health Protection Act;

• Ensure fair treatment of all immigrant families;

• Increase gun safety by moving forward legislation on universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines;

• Advance youth and family justice through promoting non-carceral public safety strategies that move away from failed criminal legal interventions and invest in public health approaches;

• Expand voting rights along with democracy protection by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Act;

• Protect LGBTQ people and families from discrimination by passing the Equality Act.

Sign the petition here

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