Mission:
“The Breastfeeding Coalition of Marion County (BFCMC) will empower the community to promote, support and protect breastfeeding and the provision of human milk to enhance the quality of life in our community.” Adopted 1/2007.
Members:
The Breastfeeding Coalition is open to anyone living or working in the Marion County area interested in supporting or promoting breastfeeding or the health, economic and environmental benefits associated with it. Membership is not restricted to women. In fact, men can be some of the best advocates.
Purpose:
The Coalition has a three-part purpose:
Promote: The Coalition tries to reach out to new audiences to encourage breastfeeding and encourage breastfeeding support.
· The Coalition exhibited at the 2008 Indiana Restaurant Association’s Spring Conference where the group shared the benefits of their restaurant or business being breastfeeding friendly.
Protect: The Coalition helps to protect the right for a woman to breastfeed.
· The Coalition supported and assisted with the adoption of Indiana SB0219 that went into effect July 1, 2008. The law requires an employer to provide a private, safe, and clean location (other than a restroom or toilet stall) for a breastfeeding woman to pump her breast milk while at work and away from her child.
Support: The Coalition collaborates with community organizations and businesses to educate the community, plan related events and provide additional support for the cause.
· Each year Coalition members assist at the Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank’s Lactation Stations during the Indiana State Fair.
· Each year the Coalition plans, promotes and participates with events celebrating World Breastfeeding Week.
Focus:
The Coalition chooses an annual focus for its efforts. Activities for 2009 will focus on education.
Meetings:
The Coalition currently meets every-other month at various locations throughout Marion County. Typical meeting times occur between 2:30 and 4 p.m. Please contact us for a specific list of meeting dates and locations.