We get a daily summary of health news at work and today the summary included a story from the New York Times about breast feeding. A quote: “Warning: Public health officials have determined that not breast-feeding may be hazardous to your baby's health.” They go on to say that there are ads comparing not breastfeeding to riding a mechanical bull while pregnant. And then “Senator Tom Harkin, Democrat of Iowa, has proposed requiring warning labels, on cans of infant formula and in advertisements, similar to the those on cigarettes. They would say that the Department of Health and Human Services has determined that "breast-feeding is the ideal method of feeding and nurturing infants" or that "breast milk is more beneficial to infants than infant formula."”
I have to admit that I breastfed Sam because of the health implications for both Sam and myself. I also found it to be very convenient (after the initial pain and difficulty) and inexpensive, nice little bonuses for us as a family. My experience definitely makes me wonder about those who chose to bottle feed but I’d never say anything to them about their decision and I wouldn’t treat them as though they’re harming their child. I can also attest that breast feeding isn’t a health panacea because Sam certainly got his share of colds and ear infections in his first two years. But putting warnings on formula is going a bit too far because it has the potential to further pit those who breastfeed against those who don’t and will make those who intended to breastfeed but can’t due to supply issues or due to maternal or child health issues feel even worse than they already feel.
I believe that the government needs to back off the warnings but continue to promote breastfeeding. They should routinely provider lactation consulting services to new mothers. Increasing PAID maternity leave to six months instead of an unpaid twelve weeks would go a long way toward allowing mothers to meet that six-month breastfeeding goal and if, as the research suggests, it decreases all those chronic illnesses, there would be long term cost-savings to the health system to offset the cost of the increased maternity leave. And while I’m suggesting change, let’s keep the formula companies from distributing formula samples and coupons to new mothers at hospitals. Those steps would go much further to increase breastfeeding in the US.
Now, does anyone want to discuss working mothers?
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1 comment:
Anne and Mary P.--
You've both hit the nail on the head.
I had both of my kids in NJ, which by most states' standards is progressive, in that new mothers are eligible for 6 weeks paid "temporary disability" leave (2/3 pay), but that still went by pretty quick. At that point, I was just getting the hang of breastfeeding, and then had to return to work and face pumping in less than ideal conditions. Ugh.
I think the real problem is that the U.S. does not have socialized medicine. Therefore, the government has no real interst in saving money on healthcare, and thus, no real interest in promoting breastfeeding. It always comes down to the almighty dollar, doesn't it?
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