SENATE RESOLUTION 299--DESIGNATING THE FIRST WEEK IN AUGUST 2019 AS ``WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK'', AND DESIGNATING AUGUST 2019 AS ``NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH''; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 130
(Senate - July 31, 2019)
Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Page S5258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 299--DESIGNATING THE FIRST WEEK IN AUGUST 2019 AS
``WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK'', AND DESIGNATING AUGUST 2019 AS ``NATIONAL
BREASTFEEDING MONTH''
Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Markey,
Mr. Brown, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Cardin, and Mr. Coons) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary:
S. Res. 299
Whereas the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that
a baby be fed exclusively through breastfeeding for about the
first 6 months after the birth of the baby, followed by
continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are
introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or
longer as mutually desired by the mother and infant;
Whereas the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action has
designated the first week of August as ``World Breastfeeding
Week'', and the United States Breastfeeding Committee has
designated August as ``National Breastfeeding Month'';
Whereas National Breastfeeding Month focuses on how data
and measurement can be used to build and reinforce the
connections between breastfeeding and a broad spectrum of
other health topics and initiatives;
Whereas World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding
Month provide important opportunities to address barriers to
breastfeeding faced by families across the United States and
around the world;
Whereas, according to the 2016 Breastfeeding Report Card of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 81.1 percent
of mothers in the United States, or about 4 out of every 5
mothers in the United States, start breastfeeding their
babies at the birth of their baby;
Whereas by the end of 6 months after the birth of a baby,
breastfeeding rates for mothers in the United States fall to
51.8 percent, and only 22.3 percent of babies in the United
States are exclusively breastfed at 6 months of age;
Whereas 2 of every 3 mothers report that they are unable to
reach their personal breastfeeding goals;
Whereas there are substantial racial and ethnic disparities
in breastfeeding initiation and duration;
Whereas, in 2014, 85.7 percent of non-Hispanic White
infants were breastfed, as compared to--
(1) 68.0 percent of non-Hispanic Black infants; and
(2) 79.5 percent of non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska
Native infants;
Whereas the Healthy People 2020 objectives for
breastfeeding are that--
(1) 82 percent of babies are breastfed at some time;
(2) 61 percent of babies continue to be breastfed at 6
months; and
(3) 34 percent of babies continue to be breastfed at 1
year;
Whereas breastfeeding is a proven primary prevention
strategy that builds a foundation for life-long health and
wellness;
Whereas the evidence of the value of breastfeeding to the
health of women and children is scientific, solid, and
continually reaffirmed by new research;
Whereas a 2016 study of maternal and pediatric health
outcomes and associated costs based on 2012 breastfeeding
rates indicates that if 90 percent of infants were breastfed
according to medical recommendations, 3,340 deaths,
$3,000,000,000 in medical costs, and $14,200,000,000 in costs
relating to premature death would be prevented annually;
Whereas the great majority of pregnant women and new
mothers want to breastfeed but face significant barriers in
community, health care, and employment settings; and
Whereas a 2016 study found that universal breastfeeding--
(1) could prevent 800,000 child deaths per year across the
world; and
(2) is an invaluable tool for mothers to provide essential
nutrients to protect newborns against infectious diseases in
developing countries: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates the first week of August 2019 as ``World
Breastfeeding Week'';
(2) designates August 2019 as ``National Breastfeeding
Month'';
(3) supports the goals of World Breastfeeding Week and
National Breastfeeding Month; and
(4) supports policies and funding to ensure that all
mothers who choose to breastfeed can access a full range of
appropriate support from child care and health care
institutions, health care insurers, employers, researchers,
and government entities.
____________________