title: Learning to lobby for probreastfeeding legislation: the story of a Texas bill to create a breastfeeding-friendly physician designation.
abstract: Legislation can reduce institutional barriers to breastfeeding. Lobbying is the process by which legislation is influenced by a special interest group. While generally thought of as an activity available only to the rich and powerful, lobbying by lactation activists can be an effective way to change public policy. A breastfeeding coalition in central Texas has been involved with lobbying efforts since 1995. Tactical lessons learned are shared to inspire and assist others seeking to pass probreastfeeding legislation.
authors.affiliation: Austin Lactation Associates, 12710 Burson Drive, Manchaca, TX 78652-3530, USA.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wilson-Clay
authors.forename: Janet Wier
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Rourke
authors.forename: Marianne Baker
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Bolduc
authors.forename: Julie D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Stagg
authors.forename: Gretchen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Flatau
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vaugh
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008119:Lobbying; D013219:State Government; D013781:Texas