That the media be encouraged to portray breastfeeding as a positive norm. That employers be encouraged to provide appropriate facilities and adequate time in the workplace for breast-pumping. Women with infants and children below age three are the fastest growing segment of today's labor force. In 1997, the United States had one of the lowest breastfeeding rates of all industrialized nations and one of the highest rates of infant mortality. The rates of breastfeeding are lower among women with limited income and in ethnic minorities.
Many women initiate breastfeeding, but quit by the time the infant is two weeks old.
Difficulties breastfeeding and the lack of support of the family, the medical system, the community and the workplace are known to reduce the duration of breastfeeding. There are very few employers that have a workplace environment that supports breastfeeding. Although economic, cultural, and political pressures often confound decisions about infant feeding, the AAP firmly adheres to the position that breastfeeding ensures the best possible health as well as the best development and psychosocial outcomes for the infant. Enthusiastic support and involvement of all health organizations, especially public health organizations in promotion of breastfeeding and assuring a supportive environment for successful breastfeeding is essential to the achievement of optimal infant and child health, growth and development.