| The United States has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the industrialized world and one of the highest rates of infant mortality. We need to do all we can to support mothers when they decide to breastfeed. That is why I have introduced legislation to protect a mothers right to breastfeed and promote breastfeeding among working mothers.
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In 1998, I was proud to introduce a comprehensive bill promoting breastfeeding and protecting women who choose to breastfeed. I am very pleased that one of the provisions of that bill allowing states to spend more money on breastfeeding promotion and support through the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) nutrition program was enacted into law.
Many women who have contacted my office on this issue have been fired or discriminated against for expressing milk during the day. Some have been harassed on the job, or had their pay docked because they used their regular breaks or lunchtime to pump milk. Some have purchased breastpumps that were painful, ineffective, or damaging. I am interested in hearing from you if you have experienced one of these situations.
I have also heard from many employers who have had great success in opening "nursing mothers rooms." I am interested in hearing from companies that have put such a room in place.
Thank you for your interest in this important issue. I am hopeful that public support for breastfeeding legislation will allow mothers who make the choice to breastfeed to be protected and supported when and if they retugi-bin/query/C?c110:./temp/~c110XObRvH rn to the workplace.
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