44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE LABOR DEPARTMENT CONDUCT AN EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING PUBLIC AND EMPLOYER ACCEPTANCE OF BREAST-FEEDING.

WHEREAS, the surgeon general of the United States recommends that babies from birth to one year of age be breast-fed to attain an optimal healthy start; and

WHEREAS, statistics reveal a declining percentage of mothers are choosing to breast-feed their babies with nearly half of all new mothers choosing formula over breast-feeding; and

WHEREAS, breast milk offers better nutrition, immunity and digestion and may raise a baby's intelligence quotient; and

WHEREAS, the social constraints of modern society militate against the choice of breast-feeding and lead new mothers with demanding time schedules to opt for formula feeding for reasons such as embarrassment and the fear of social ostracism; and

WHEREAS, the promotion of family values and infant health demands putting an end to the vicious cycle of embarrassment and ignorance that constricts women and men alike in the subject of breast-feeding and represents hostility to mothers and babies in our culture based on archaic and outdated moral taboos; and

WHEREAS, genuine promotion of family values should encourage public acceptance of this most basic act of nurture between mother and baby so that no mother is made to feel socially ostracized for breast-feeding her baby;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health and the labor department conduct an educational campaign to encourage public and employer acceptance of breast-feeding; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the department of health and to the labor department.