Endorsing Organizations
American
Academy of Pediatrics - WV
American Association of University Women
- WV Chapter
American Civil Liberties Union of WV
American College of Nurse Midwives - WV Chapter
Coalition for West Virginia Children
FamilyCare
Kanawha Lactation Association
La
Leche League of Jefferson County
La Leche League of West Virginia/Virginia
La Leche League,
Charleston Chapter
Midwives'
Alliance of WV
National Association of Social Workers
- WV Chapter
Prevent Child Abuse West
Virginia
Right From the Start, Regions 1, 4, 5 & 7
TEAM for West
Virginia Children
West Virginia Association of School Nurses
WV Citizens Action Group
West Virginia Breastfeeding Network
West Virginia Community Voices, Inc.
WV FREE
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West Virginia's Child's Right to Nurse Act supports the fact that breastfeeding is an important and basic act of nurture which must be encouraged in the interests of maternal and child health. The bill calls for guarantees that women have the right to breastfeed their child/ren in any West Virginia location -- public or private --where that child/mother pair otherwise has the right to be. What Can You Do?
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Facts
Breastmilk … it does a baby good. Breastmilk is custom made for each and every child. It is readily available and requires no preparation.
Breastfeeding provides significant health benefits to both the mother and child. It protects against: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, upper and lower respiratory infections, allergies, intestinal disorders, colds, viruses, staph, strep and e coli infections, diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, childhood cancers, meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, salmonella, as well as lifetime protection from Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, some lymphomas, insulin dependent diabetes, and for women, breast and ovarian cancer.
By encouraging women to breastfeed, the government could save millions of dollars on the purchase of artificial baby milk for WIC participants and avoid the cost of increased medical expenses for both mother and child.
Why Does West Virginia Need Legislation?
Would you eat in a bathroom stall? Every mother makes the choice on how to feed her child. Women who choose to bottlefeed aren’t being asked to do so in a bathroom stall. But breastfeeding moms have been, and more instances are being reported every day.
Forty-four states have enacted breastfeeding legislation, with several others states considering legislation. West Virginia has no laws regarding breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is a private, tender act, not for public display, but must occasionally be done in a public setting. Babies need to be breastfed on demand, and mothers should not feel ashamed to breastfeed when necessary or be pressured to use bottles when in public. Legislation will help encourage more women to breastfeed and to feel comfortable with their choice, while protecting their right to do so.
For More Information
CLICK HERE to view the 2006 bill (House Bill 4457) which died in the House Health & Human Resources Committee on the last day of the 2006 legislative session.
CLICK HERE to view the 2005 bill (House Bill 2450) which passed the House nearly unanimously and died on the floor of the Senate on the last day of the 2005 legislative session.
Visit La Leche League's Breastfeeding & The Law page for information regarding Breastfeeding Legislation in other states.