Promote Breastfeeding!

I received an e-mail today from one of my "your baby should be doing this now" websites. :) It contained a link to an interesting Act that has been presented to Congress.

Before I write any more, I want to make it clear that this is not intended to discourage or convict those who chose not to, or were not able to breastfeed their babies for one reason or another. This is a very personal decision, and many factors have to be considered. My goal in writing this is simply to educate those who are unaware:

Do you know that there are major benefits of breastfeeding - both for Mom and Baby? According to this website, "The medical evidence shows that NOT breastfeeding increases the baby’s risk of infections, diarrhea, SIDS, obesity, diabetes, asthma, and childhood leukemia, and increases the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers and diabetes. A 2009 study of nearly 140,000 women found that women who breastfed for at least one year were 10-15% less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease compared to mothers who never breastfed."

It is a challenge to continue breastfeeding while working. I work 12 hour shifts in a high-stress job. I use my breaks for pumping - 15 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes at lunch, and 30 minutes in the afternoon. There is one room at work available for pumping. One room for all breastfeeding workers, as well as all mothers of babies in the NICU. Unfortunately, many times when I try to pump at work, I find that room occupied. Then I have to be creative, or skip pumping all together. I am fortunate that my workplace provides that room at all! I am also fortunate that they provide the equipment as well.

However, many women are not as fortunate. I encourage you to read this article. Click here, and let your voice be heard. :)