TITLE: Recognizing February 22, 2017, as Texas Breastfeeding Coalition Legislative Action Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 22, 2017, as Texas Breastfeeding Coalition Legislative Action Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Members of the Texas Breastfeeding Coalition are visiting the State Capitol on February 22, 2017; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to improving breastfeeding rates, the coalition works to promote a public environment that accepts and supports mothers in this healthy practice; such medical authorities as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all strongly recommend breastfeeding, and the United States surgeon general has issued a call to action in this regard; and WHEREAS, According to the CDC, breastfeeding is one of the most effective measures a mother can take to protect the health of her infant; breastfeeding protects babies from a wide range of infections and illnesses, and breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma; in addition, breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, and children who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese; mothers who breastfeed their children also have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers; and WHEREAS, Cost-benefit analyses performed by private researchers and by the federal government have found that breastfeeding reduces costs to the nation's health care system for both acute and chronic illnesses; Texas, with its high rates of obesity and diabetes, stands to benefit significantly by encouraging more mothers to breastfeed; and WHEREAS, Despite the vital advantages conferred by breastfeeding, mothers do not always receive the evidence-based, qualified clinical lactation support they need, and some current hospital practices make it more difficult to establish successful breastfeeding; moreover, although the state passed legislation in 1995 affirming the right of a mother to breastfeed her baby in any location in which the mother is authorized to be, breastfeeding mothers continue to face discrimination and often experience a lack of support at work and in public places; and WHEREAS, The Texas Breastfeeding Coalition is making a positive difference in the lives of women and children through its efforts to educate the public and to improve support for breastfeeding, and a special day to spotlight its endeavors is most fitting; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby recognize February 22, 2017, as Texas Breastfeeding Coalition Legislative Action Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those participating sincere best wishes for the future. Zaffirini President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 21, 2017.