SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 255
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; such medical
authorities 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 United States 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, breastfeeding 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
their children 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 to improve support for
breastfeeding, and a special day to spotlight its endeavors is
most fitting; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
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.
Zaffirini
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 21, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate