NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Monday marks the beginning of Breast Feeding Awareness Week, and the organization behind it is trying to bring attention to a little-known provision in the Health Care Reform Act.
Around the world, nursing mothers are encouraged, and nursing is seen as a natural part of a baby's first year of life.
Selena McCoy-Carpenter with La Leche League of Tennessee said, "Nursing reduces respiratory infections in babies. It reduces the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. It reduces diabetes in children. It reduces stomach illnesses."
However, in the U.S., few mothers choose to breast feed. Many working mothers say it's just not easy.
"Because most mothers do return to work now, having a safe place to pump allows her to continue to nurse the baby without having to wean prematurely, "said McCoy-Carpenter.
In March, when Health Care Reform became law, a provision was given to nursing mothers.
It basically says employers must allow a mother break time to pump milk if she chooses.
They must also provide a place other than a bathroom for her to do so.
"There are plenty of work places that don't allow a safe place, a comfortable place for her to pump, then it is very difficult to nurse," she said.
McCoy-Carpenter hopes the new law will encourage women to continue feeding their babies breast milk even after they return to work.
"We think it's extremely important that moms have the support necessary to nurse their babies for a year," she said.
The La Leche League of Tennessee holds monthly meetings for mothers in several mid-state areas.
For more information about the organization, its meetings, and what rescources are available to nursing mothers, visit their Web site.
