Breastfeeding Awareness Month of 2022.
The resolution recognizes the recommendations of health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, which advocate for exclusive breastfeeding during the first months of life. By promoting Breastfeeding Awareness Month, the legislation seeks to elevate public understanding of the importance of breastfeeding, as well as its health benefits, which include a decrease in infant mortality and various chronic diseases. Furthermore, it underscores how breastfeeding can also lessen healthcare costs for families and healthcare systems, asserting that society as a whole benefits when mothers are supported in their decisions to breastfeed.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 120, introduced by Senator Ochoa Bogh, proclaims August 2022 as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in California. This resolution aims to highlight the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers alike, outlining that such practices contribute positively to the health and well-being of families. It emphasizes the necessity of removing barriers to breastfeeding initiation and continuation, advocating for improved access to breastfeeding support services across various sectors, including healthcare and employment environments.
Notably, the resolution encourages collaborative efforts among communities, employers and health professionals to create better conditions for breastfeeding. The call for action not only addresses the health-related aspects but also the economic advantages associated with breastfeeding. Increased breastfeeding rates can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare and improved workforce productivity, making it a viable concern for employers. While the measure is presented without opposition, potential contention may arise regarding the effectiveness of voluntary measures in ensuring adequate support for breastfeeding mothers in various settings.