Infant Nutrition & Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding is the most effective method for providing infants with essential nutrients and immune support, crucial for achieving optimal developmental milestones. However, infant nutrition disparities continue to worsen across the country, with systemic inequities like unpaid nursing break time preventing many individuals from adequately feeding their infants. To address this issue, DIEEP promotes breastfeeding rights through support and community outreach initiatives, primarily by educating the public about the PUMP Act.

​​​​​​​The Providing Urgent Maternal Protection for Nursing Mothers Act, or the "PUMP Act," is a federal law that took effect on April 28, 2023. This law requires most employers to provide both reasonable, paid break times for employees to express milk for a nursing infant and private spaces for nursing parents to do so. Essentially, the law mandates accessible and non-penalizing means for breastfeeding in the workplace for a child’s first year. This law is crucial for reducing infant nutrition and developmental disparities, as well as improving maternal mental health and well-being.

The DePaul Infant Equity Education Project  is committed to guiding and supporting businesses and community members in understanding and implementing the required policies regarding the PUMP Act. This is to foster a more equitable work environment for nursing individuals and their families.By educating the community about this essential Act and providing urgent maternal support through outreach initiatives such as bi-monthly food pantry distributions, community baby showers, and breastfeeding training and bra-fitting classes with community partners, DIEEP effectively achieves this goal and targets a reduction in infant nutrition and maternal health disparities within New Orleans communities. Furthermore, DIEEP's breastfeeding initiatives help advance the project’s mission to reduce infant food insecurity, promote maternal health and workplace equity, and improve overall maternal and child health outcomes.​​​​​​​

Want to learn more about the importance of breastfeeding or the PUMP Act? Click here for the Department of Labor PUMP Act informational page, or, read our articles here or here for more breastfeeding information.

Have questions or want to know more about the project’s breastfeeding initiatives? Click here for more information, or call a DIEEP Catalyst staff member at (504) 482-2080. 

Breast Feeding Tips

• As seasons change, its easy to feel run down by colds, allergies and other stubborn symptoms. Click here to shop for supplements from Lgendary Milk to help care for yourself and your little one.