85R11443 BPG-D
By: Farrar H.R. No. 497
R E S O L U T I O N
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; medical authorities such
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 U.S. 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, it 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 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 improve support for
breastfeeding, and a special day to spotlight its endeavors is most
fitting; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
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.