So if you read the NYTimes article "Breastfeed Or Else" there is a blurb in there about Iowa Senator Tom Harkin wanting to put a WARNING label on formula simiular to that on ciggaretts. So I wrote him telling him how fantastic I thought that was and that in addition to that I hope he pushes for better maternity leave and provisions for nursing mothers at work and stuff...he emails me back and says
Quote:
| Dear Renae: Thank you for contacting me. I hope you will pardon my delay in responding to you. I appreciate hearing your thoughts regarding breastfeeding. The choice of what type of nourishment to provide their infant is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Studies show that breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants. Despite this fact however, levels of breastfeeding in the United States are relatively low. One contributing factor to this situation is clearly a lack of information about the demonstrated positive benefits of breast milk.This is not surprising given the millions of dollars that infant formula companies spend on advertising and other forms of marketing. This has created the misperception that formula is easier and just as good as breast milk. The reality is that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for an infant's diet. My legislative proposal reinforces this fact and ensures that mothers have the best information available in order to make more informed decisions when considering whether to breastfeed. However, I am fully aware of the fact that many mothers are not able to breastfeed, which is why this information has to be conveyed with sensitivity. Beyond providing mothers with the facts about breast milk, there is also much more that can and should be done to remove other obstacles and support breastfeeding particularly as mothers return to work. That is why I have also proposed a studyto investigate the barriers mothers face when they return to the workplace, and a plan which calls on businesses to provide women with a private area and the needed extra time to nurse or pump. All mothers want their children to grow up healthy and happy, and policy makers must take a comprehensive approach to help parents achieve this goal. Should you have any additional concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Again, thanks for sharing your views with me. Please don't hesitate to let me know how you feel on any issue that concerns you. Sincerely, Tom Harkin United States Senator |
