In January 2011, the U.S. Surgeon General released a call to action to support breastfeeding. And, though Dr. Regina Benjamin is now America’s doctor, the report supporting this action relies on public health research and experts, among others.
The report notes that breastfeeding has health benefits for babies (e.g., a reduction in the likelihood of infections) and mothers (e.g., a decreased risk of ovarian cancer). There are also economic benefits with savings in the cost of infant formula and fewer health insurance claims.
To help mothers overcome obstacles to breastfeeding, the report includes recommendations for what the health care community, employer, community members, families and friends and policymakers can do.
And, all of this is based on 298 references, including top-notch maternal and child health research. This is public health!
