Top 10 Ways To Promote Breastfeeding

10. Talk to your health care provider about your commitment to breastfeeding.

9. Continue to breastfeed after returning to work, by pumping milk while at work if necessary.

8. Offer words of support and encouragement to any breastfeeding mothers you may encounter, even if she's a stranger in the park.

7. Send letters to politicians, urging them to support breastfeeding-related legislation; to local schools, advocating that breastfeeding be included in health, biology and sex education curricula; and to media representatives, encouraging them to portray breastfeeding. Join letter writing campaigns (ProMoM has ideas, addresses and sample letters ).

6. Be knowledgeable about breastfeeding and inform others about its benefits. Mention the AAP guidelines, which recommend breastfeeding until at least 12 months.

5. Give breastfeeding-related books, clothing and other items as shower and new-mom gifts.

4. Join breastfeeding support, advocacy and networking organizations and groups... including ProMoM, of course!

3. Be positive and enthusiastic about breastfeeding. When people compliment your baby, tell them that s/he is breastfed.

2. Wear a gold ribbon in a double loop to signify that breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition, and that it benefits both mother and child.

1. Breastfeed in public -- a lot!