Lactation Commission

Total public members:              11          

Method of Appointment:           Appointed by Mayor

Length of Appointment:            3 years

Residency:                                  Strong preference for DC residents from all 8 wards

Paid board:                                   No (all roles are voluntary)

Current Vacancy:                      Social Service/Community Outreach Expert Member

Description:

The Commission shall conduct studies, review progress, and provide recommendations with respect to all programs and initiatives promoting breastfeeding and support lactation activities in the District of Columbia, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Assisting the Mayor with developing a comprehensive plan for implementing the Center and a breastfeeding education and outreach campaign, including recommendations for written material and community-based initiatives; 

2. Providing regular and consistent review of the Center’s standards, policies, and procedures, assessing whether sufficient progress is being made and whether resources are sufficient to meet the goals of the Center, and recommending policy changes and strategies for recruiting milk donors and their breastmilk; and

3. Identifying any unmet needs of breastfeeding mothers, recommending methods for meeting community needs, and assessing whether current resources are consistent with the needs identified through the planning process.

Commission Membership:

1. Two (2) Neonatologists or Pediatricians 
2. Two (2) Social Service  or Community Outreach Experts
3. Two (2)Public health experts
4. Two (2) Persons with background in breastfeeding and lactation studies
5. One (1) General Practice Physician
6. Two (1) Consumer members who shall be residents of the District of Columbia.

Time Commitment:

The Commission meets monthly.