Rep. Darrel Ealum recognized by HMHB for lactation bill

ATLANTA – State Rep. Darrel Ealum, D-Albany, was recently presented the 2016 Charlotte Wilen Maternal & Infant Health Advocate of the Year award by the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. HMHB recognized Ealum for his work on and support of the Georgia Lactation Consultant Practice Act, or House Bill 649, from last year’s legislative session.

“My daughters, as Marine officers, chose to breastfeed, even under very difficult circumstances. Their experiences motivated me to work hard to improve circumstances where mothers who wish to breastfeed will have the full support they need,” Ealum said. “Studies show many advantages to breastfeeding, even above the tremendous cost-savings factor. Breastfed babies have fewer problems with obesity, asthma, allergies, digestive difficulties and many other illnesses.

“Receiving this award was totally unexpected and is deeply appreciated. I assure you, my work on this issue was because of my beliefs that breastfeeding is healthy and creates a close bond between baby and mother.”

The Georgia Lactation Consultation Practice Act provides for the licensure and regulation of those engaged in lactation care and services in order to promote the health of mothers and babies.

“Lactation consultants are allied health care professionals who know how to clinically assess and help resolve breastfeeding issues,” said Merrilee Gober, chair of the HMHB Public Affairs Committee and a member of that group’s board of directors. “This law will greatly improve access to lactation consultants by making them part of the health care team and opening the door for insurance companies to reimburse for their services. With insurance reimbursement, physicians will be able to have lactation consultants as part of their office staff, and hospitals will be able to run outpatient breastfeeding clinics with lactation consultants.”

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, a member of the national Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies group, serves as a statewide voice for maternal and infant health care needs.

“I am thankful to HMHB for this award recognizing my legislative efforts on behalf of Georgia’s mothers and children,” said Ealum. “I was proud to support and advocate for legislation that meets the medical needs of nursing mothers and their precious babies.”