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The 3
Minute Activist
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"Baby magazine had an article very supportive of breastfeeding. We'd like to commend them."
babymag@aol.com To the Editor: Three cheers for your recent article, "Breastfeed or Bust," in your June/July issue! 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 article 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 a child, and nursing is one of the most natural
acts in the world. Thank you for helping to spread this message
so eloquently.
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