They published my letter and more!

[Delta]

For WBW I wrote a letter to the editor that was published in the Sunday paper!

And, on a whim, I emailed a reporter info on WBW for a story idea, and her article ran on the front page of Saturday's paper.

I can't believe it! Yay!

[Viola]

Congratulations! Can we read your letter on the newspaper's website?

[Melda]

That is great mama!

[Delta]

Here is the letter. They had a 350 word limit, otherwise I would have written a novel. My first draft was 550 words. I had a hard time cutting that down. :LOL

This past week was World Breastfeeding Week, intended to promote the importance of breastfeeding. As a nursing mother I’d like to shed some light on an often misunderstood topic.

Human milk was created by God as the perfect food for human babies. It cannot be replicated in formula. Breastmilk contains proteins and enzymes needed for optimum brain development, digestion and growth. Its composition changes over time based on the needs of the child. Breastmilk delivers immunities vital in preventing illnesses common in babies and young children. Studies show breastfed babies have lower rates of obesity, diabetes and other illnesses even into adulthood.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies be breastfed for at least one year, with no introduction of solids until after the first six months.

It is essential mothers have family and medical support during those first weeks of nursing. Unfortunately, while they do offer assistance, ____ _______ Hospital does not employ an IBCLC-certified lactation consultant. A number of books, such as The Breastfeeding Book, by Dr. Robert Sears, offer invaluable information and instruction and I strongly recommend mothers read up before the baby arrives, and visit a web site such as La Leche League’s.

Anxiety towards nursing in public is a common and unfortunate reason women give up breastfeeding. It’s important to note that Texas law protects a mother’s right to nurse her baby in any place that she is allowed to be. If you see a mother nursing her baby in public, know that she is providing the best food for her baby, and give her a smile.

Savvy employers realize that allowing mothers to pump milk at work reduces the number of days missed to care for sick children, as breastfed babies tend to get sick less often than formula fed babies. Nursing mothers shouldn’t hesitate to educate their employers and ask that they accommodate them.

While low, breastfeeding rates in this country are improving as we become more informed and understanding. For the sake of public health, let’s hope that continues.

We have no LLL ( ), so I had to refer them to the website.

[Breathless Wonder]

Great letter!

[callmemama]

[sntm]

Excellent letter! FActual, interesting, and not so over-the-top that the "unenlightened" public would stop reading it! Congrats on your advocacy successes!