Title: A resolution designating the first week in August 2017 as "World Breastfeeding Week", and designating August 2017 as "National Breastfeeding Month".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
Designates the first week of August 2017 as World Breastfeeding Week and designates August 2017 as National Breastfeeding Month.
Expresses support for policies and funding to ensure that all mothers who choose to breastfeed can access a full range of support.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 246 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 246

  Designating the first week in August 2017 as ``World Breastfeeding 
    Week'', and designating August 2017 as ``National Breastfeeding 
                                Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             August 3, 2017

   Mr. Merkley (for himself and Mr. Markey) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Designating the first week in August 2017 as ``World Breastfeeding 
    Week'', and designating August 2017 as ``National Breastfeeding 
                                Month''.

Whereas the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding 
        continue for at least 12 months after the birth of a baby and for as 
        long as the mother and baby desire;
Whereas the World Health Organization recommends continued breastfeeding for 2 
        years or longer after the birth of a baby;
Whereas the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action has designated the first 
        week of August as ``World Breastfeeding Week'', and the United States 
        Breastfeeding Committee has designated August as ``National 
        Breastfeeding Month'';
Whereas National Breastfeeding Month focuses on how data and measurement can be 
        used to build and reinforce the connections between breastfeeding and a 
        broad spectrum of other health topics and initiatives;
Whereas World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month provide 
        important opportunities to address barriers to breastfeeding faced by 
        families across the United States;
Whereas, according to the 2016 Breastfeeding Report Card of the Centers for 
        Disease Control and Prevention, 4 of every 5 mothers, or 81.1 percent of 
        mothers, in the United States start breastfeeding their babies;
Whereas by the end of 6 months after the birth of a baby, breastfeeding rates 
        fall to 51.8 percent, and only 22.3 percent of babies are exclusively 
        breastfed at 6 months of age;
Whereas 2 of every 3 mothers report that they are unable to reach their personal 
        breastfeeding goals;
Whereas there are substantial racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding 
        initiation and duration;
Whereas, in 2013, 84.3 percent of non-Hispanic White infants initiated 
        breastfeeding, as compared to--

    (1) 66.3 percent of non-Hispanic Black infants; and

    (2) 68.3 percent of non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native 
infants;

Whereas the Healthy People 2020 objectives for breastfeeding are that--

    (1) 82 percent of babies are breastfed at some time;

    (2) 61 percent of babies continue to be breastfed at 6 months; and

    (3) 34 percent of babies continue to be breastfed at 1 year;

Whereas breastfeeding is a proven primary prevention strategy that builds a 
        foundation for life-long health and wellness;
Whereas the evidence of the value of breastfeeding to the health of women and 
        children is scientific, solid, and continually reaffirmed by new 
        research;
Whereas, during the first year of the life of a baby, a family that follows 
        optimal breastfeeding practices can save between $1,200 and $1,500 in 
        expenses on infant formula;
Whereas a 2016 study of maternal and pediatric health outcomes and associated 
        costs based on 2012 breastfeeding rates indicates that if 90 percent of 
        infants were breastfed according to medical recommendations, 3,340 
        deaths, $3,000,000,000 in medical costs, and $14,200,000,000 in costs 
        relating to premature death would be prevented annually; and
Whereas the great majority of pregnant women and new mothers want to breastfeed 
        but face significant barriers in community, health care, and employment 
        settings: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates the first week of August 2017 as ``World 
        Breastfeeding Week'';
            (2) designates August 2017 as ``National Breastfeeding 
        Month'';
            (3) supports the goals of National Breastfeeding Month; and
            (4) supports policies and funding to ensure that all 
        mothers who choose to breastfeed can access a full range of 
        appropriate support from health care institutions, health care 
        insurers, employers, and government entities.
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