While men are no less effected by many children's issues than women, the biological impact of childbearing events on women is simultaneously immense and unique. Integrating women's productive lives with their reproductive lives is a major issue in child survival and overall societal health. Increasing the percentage of women who choose and implement the decision to breastfeed is a major global and national goal. Data on feeding method should be collected at all existing recording points for children less than two years of age.
Research is needed on lactation status correlated to women's health issues.
Women's emotional and psychological health is profoundly impacted by societal pressures and prejudices during these periods. And conversely, the empowerment of women through informed and supported decision-making during these periods has a documented positive effect on all other aspects of their lives. Thank you for the opportunity to address these issues. United States National Breastfeeding Promotion Program will launch in August 1997 with a half-million dollar budget and specific legislative support. Ohio is one of 10 pilot states testing a comprehensive media campaign .