Breast milk is the best food for human babies. It is natural, free and increases an infant's immunities.

Breastfeeding also leads to numerous benefits for mothers, yet some women are not breastfeeding or do so for only a short period of time. Part of the reason is many mothers go back to work after 6-12 weeks of maternity leave, which is often unpaid. And, often, the workplace is not conducive to breastfeeding - with no privacy area in which to pump, or discouragement from taking breaks - so many mothers either don't breastfeed at all or simply stop when they return to work.

The Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2007 seeks to help mothers keep their jobs while also keeping their infants healthy. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, and U.S. Rep. Chris Shays, R-CT, the bill (HR 2236) makes it illegal to discriminate against women for breastfeeding or pumping in the workplace. It includes a tax break for employers who provide a pumping area or other incentive to breastfeed, and a tax write-off for moms who buy breast pumps and accessories. It also requests the FDA set safety standards for breast pumps.

"The U.S. has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the industrialized world despite overwhelming evidence about the many benefits it provides both to moms and children. In fact, research shows breastfed children have lower rates of mortality, allergies, infections, asthma and obesity, among other benefits," said Maloney, an LPN. "If a new mom makes the decision to breastfeed, she should get all of the support and encouragement she needs and deserves."

"I am a passionate advocate of breastfeeding; it's important for medical, emotional and spiritual reasons," she explained. "The bill is really important because it upholds the rights of women to pursue making a living while still being able to nourish their babies."

Carol Kolar, RN, CMP, director of education and member services of La Leche League International, concurs.

"We know the importance for human milk for a human baby," Kolar said. "Yet, we are one of the few countries that do not offer paid maternity leave. So, for the working moms who do not have private offices, it can be difficult to pump at work. Babies were born to be breastfed, and [we're] interfering with that natural process."

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies be breastfed for at least 1 year, and exclusively for at least the first 6 months. According to an AAP statement, "exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth. Gradual introduction of iron-enriched solid foods in the second half of the first year should complement the breast milk diet. It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired."

Role Of Advocates
Advocates of breastfeeding argue it is the duty of others to push for passage of the bill, since mothers are preoccupied with caring for their children.

"Moms who are in the thick of caring for and breastfeeding their babies would be hard-pressed to find time to advocate for themselves and their babies, so it is up to those of us who are not currently busy with young babies to advocate for those who are," Rothman said.

Mothers also may be disadvantaged and in need of support, said Chris Mulford, BSN, RN, IBCLC, who has coordinated breastfeeding care at WIC, the federally funded special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children. She points out that women in low income jobs may be afraid to ask about pumping at work, making it a disincentive to continue breastfeeding.

Supporters of the breastfeeding bill say allowing mothers to pump at work would help them be more productive, partly because they wouldn't have feeding concerns about their babies on their minds.

"Women are more productive when they pump at work in order to continue breastfeeding because their babies don't get sick as often and because a woman who feels her needs are acknowledged is then able to focus on her job," Rothman added.

The hospital also can be a supportive place for moms who work there - including nurses, Mulford said, adding that nurses can help new moms start breastfeeding early on as well as understand the benefits. She suggests supporting co-workers who take breaks to pump.

"The healthcare system is where breastfeeding gets its start," she concluded.

"The reason [this bill] is so important from a nursing perspective is that we all know breast milk is the ideal food for infants, and we all know about the advantages for moms and babies," she said. "This legislation actually supports the health of the new moms and babies, and protects their rights to do what's best for their children. It's really a win-win for both mothers and employers."