HCR 18-BABY-FRIENDLY HOSPITAL INITIATIVE
1:49:37 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN announced the consideration of HCR 18.
1:50:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SHELLEY HUGHES, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
Alaska, sponsor of HCR 18, explained the benefits of breast
feeding, which include health, mental health, and financial
benefits. She said the resolution encourages, but does not
mandate, hospitals to obtain the "Baby Friendly" designation by
implementing ten steps to successful breast feeding. One
hospital in Alaska currently has that designation. The
resolution will promote breast feeding within the hospital and
after discharge.
She related that three of the top eight health issues are
impacted by whether a child has been breast fed; obesity,
diabetes, and cancer. Breast feeding will free up medical care
costs and Medicaid dollars. The societal benefits are improved
health, mental health, and environmental health.
1:54:23 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN noted one zero fiscal note.
SENATOR MICCICHE said he thought the vote would be unanimous.
CHAIR STEDMAN opened public testimony.
1:55:22 PM
JENNIFER AIST, Manager, Outpatient Clinics and Services,
Children's Hospital at Providence Hospital, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of HCR 18. She added other benefits from
breast feeding including increased IQ's of children. She said 9
out of 10 moms breast feed, but many are not getting proper
support and care.
She said the Baby Friendly initiative was developed by the World
Health Organization and is evidence-based. Providence is the
only Baby Friendly designated hospital in Alaska. She concluded
that breast feeding babies is the most simple, effective method
of reducing medical costs and improving health. She thanked
Representative Hughes for sponsoring the resolution.
1:58:11 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report HCR 18 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note.
CHAIR STEDMAN announced that without objection, HCR 18 is
reported from the Senate Health and Social Services Standing
Committee.