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WOMEN'S HEALTH
Surgeon General Calls For More Breastfeeling
WASHINGTON (CAP) - U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin issued a "call to action" today to encourage more Americans to take part in and be supportive of breastfeeling. She urged families, communities, health care providers and employers to make breastfeeling easier for mothers who wish to engage in such activity.
"We have to understand that we live in a society that holds the MILF in high regard," said Benjamin. "As such, it is incumbent upon us to afford mothers every opportunity for this natural function, whether it be at the office, on a park bench, or in a bus terminal."
Studies have shown that breastfeeling can help reduce discomfort and anxiety while improving a mother's feeling of self-worth at a time when she finds her identity solely wrapped around the health and well-being of her children. While 75 percent of women partake in breastfeeling after the birth of their first child, only 13 percent admit even remotely remembering what breastfeeling was like after their second or third.
Despite the reported benefits of breastfeeling, some women find that with busy schedules, social stigma, and lack of know-how, consistent breastfeeling is difficult to manage.
"We as a community must help mothers find the time for breastfeeling," said Benjamin. "We must let them know that breastfeeling need not be relegated to a chance encounter on a crowded subway or trying to get through the security line at an airport."
The breastfeeling movement has garnered the support of numerous A-list celebrities, many of whom have been quite vocal in advocating breastfeeling in all walks of life. Actress Angelina Jolie made headlines in late 2007 when she was spotted showing Britney Spears and her ex Kevin Federline how to breastfeel.
"What women need is a role model to show them the positive impact of consistent breastfeeling, and I'm happy to play that part," Jolie told CAP News as she conducted a group session on breastfeeling techniques for a handful of expectant mothers. "What we need to do is get more men involved in breastfeeling, rather than just standing there gawking when they see it.
"Granted you don't want to share your breastfeeling with just any guy, but when all they do is stand there and stare at you, it's kinda creepy," Jolie added.
The American Academy Of Breastology has also endorsed the surgeon general's campaign, debunking the myth that too much breastfeeling can lead to saggy breasts and noting that the more women breastfeel, the better they'll become at it. However, vocal opposition group Mothers Against Everything has come out against the idea, saying breastfeeling in the wrong hands can too easily be abused.
"I don't need the government telling me what to do with my breasts," said MAE spokesperson Darlene Fortenski. "In fact, I haven't even seen them in 24 years. They're kind of like those decorative plates you hung on your wall shortly after you got married: at first you paid attention to them every day, constantly adjusted them so they looked just right. But after a while you forget they're even there, and all they do is collect dust."
The surgeon general's "call to action" will be published in this month's New England Journal Of Jugs.
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