 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The 3
Minute Activist
|
|
"This is a letter to KNBC-TV . The letter is thanking them for showing long term nursing in a positive light."
e-mail: msnbc@tvsknbc.nbc.com Dear Mr. Littlefield, Three cheers to NBC4 for airing Dr. Bruce Hensel's report during the September 6 "Just 4 You" segment on breastfeeding older children! [As a mother breastfeeding an older nursling,] I was especially heartened to see the woman Dr. Hensel profiled nursing her 14-month-old daughter on camera, as well as to hear tandem nursing mentioned. It is odd that a society seemingly consumed with financial prosperity and safety is largely unwilling to make the investment in breastfeeding, despite its proven benefits to babies' health and cognitive development. As I am sure you are aware, the American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly recommended that women breastfeed their children for at least 12 months. This recommendation comes as a result of many studies that have demonstrated that breastfed children have lower risks of diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, ear infections, allergies, eczema, bacterial meningitis, and many other illnesses, as well as higher IQs. The list of benefits to both mother and child is extensive. One of the goals of the United States' "Healthy People 2000" program is increasing to 50% the number of women who breastfeed their children until at least 5 to 6 months of age. Sadly, though, less than 60% of mothers are breastfeeding at the time of hospital discharge, and only about 20% are still breastfeeding their babies at 6 months. Because the media have an enormous impact on what we as a culture deem "socially acceptable," your newscast has tremendous potential for positive influence on the way Americans perceive breastfeeding. Breastmilk is one of the best starts in life anyone can ever hope to provide child, and nursing is one of the most natural acts in the world. Thank you and Dr. Hensel for helping to spread this message
so eloquently.
|
