Welcome to World Breastfeeding Week

by Alex DiBranco · 2010-08-01 09:00:00 UTC
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While companies like Johnny Rockets, Target, and even Facebook seem bent on disrespecting breastfeeding mothers, treating the natural act of nourishing a child like something obscene, and in some cases breaking the law by denying a mother's right to feed, that doesn't mean that women should be deterred from making the best decisions for their children. And with World Breastfeeding Week starting today, it's a great time to remember that fact — and give a little deserved respect to moms.

Breastfeeding has a number of benefits for the baby, from creating a physical bond to protecting against illness to digestibility. Many of these benefits to the child's health cannot be duplicated by artificial formula. It also has health benefits for the mother, including decreasing the risk of cancer, bringing you uterus back to its normal size, and strengthening bones. Plus, breastfeeding can act as a natural contraceptive for six months.

But all this aside, whether to breastfeed or use formula is up to the parents of the child. Using formula is a valid choice that may be a better one in any given individual situation. Yet the decision should not be made for a woman by companies like Johnny Rockets and Target, who kick mothers out of their store for breastfeeding. All women have the right to provide for their babies' basic needs. World Breastfeeding Week is just the time to remember that.

H/T Amanda Hess

Photo credit: sdminor81

Alex DiBranco is a Change.org Editor who has worked for the Nation, Political Research Associates, and the Center for American Progress. She is now based in New York City.
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