When Breast Isn't Best

Let me first start with this disclaimer: I believe that breastmilk is the most perfect food in existance for babies. I believe it is best if it is their only food for the first 6 months, and has benefits as a major part of an infant's diet for long after that.

According to this MSNBC Article, 62% of women are breastfeeding at one week, but only 14% at six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, and every other authority on infant health, have made it quite clear for some time now that the best thing for all babies is to be solely breastfed for the first six months. So why isn't is happening?

The first, and perhaps largest reason, is the return to work. Pumping is hard, pumping is time-consuming, and pumping doesn't always work, even in the most supportive of workplaces. And many workplaces aren't supportive, even though the law says they have to be. Sort of. If you work for the State of Oregon, it's quite clear cut, thanks to Govenor Kitzhaber. If you want to get your workplace breastfeeding friendly, start with this packet from the Oregon Department of Health Services.