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The 3
Minute Activist
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"The letter below is to Kmart to praise them for taking action to educate their employees."
Dear Mr. Keeble: Congratulations to Kmart for mandating that its stores follow
California law Breastfeeding is every mother's civil right, and California law rightfully acknowledges that women not only have the right to breastfeed in public, but have the right to do so without being harassed. Unfortunately, there are no penalties attached to the law, making enforcement difficult. Harassment of nursing mothers is disturbingly common in public, either by employees or by other store patrons. 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. 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. 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 70% of mothers are breastfeeding at the time of hospital discharge, and only about a quarter are still breastfeeding their babies at 6 months. 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 educating your employees
about every woman's right to breastfeed her child.
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