Senators recognized for breastfeeding advocacy

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, were honored at the state Capitol Thursday for their outstanding support for breastfeeding friendly policies and public spaces.  The “Legislator Breastfeeding Champion” award was presented to the senators by the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates (COBA). The organization highlighted their legislation to ensure the ability of mothers in Oklahoma schools to provide accommodations for feeding their young children.

“Having been a teacher and a new mom, I understand the stress that so many other educators and staff faced trying to maintain their milk supply and having the time and space to pump or nurse while at work,” Hicks said. “These were supports already afforded to government and public employees, so I’m proud we were successful in extending these to employees in our schools.”

Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for most infants, and is known to improve health outcomes for children, lowering risks for certain diseases.

“It’s been an honor to have Sen. Hicks as my legislative role model and COBA by our side as we work to improve conditions for breastfeeding moms and babies in Oklahoma,” Dossett said.

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CUTLINE: Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, and Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, were honored by the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates (COBA) for their work in the Oklahoma Legislature.

For more information, contact: 

Sen. Carri Hicks: (405) 521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov
Sen. Jo Anna Dossett: (405) 521-5624 or JoAnna.Dossett@oksenate.gov