CONTACT: State Rep. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor)
Kim Easter, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Warren
(517) 373-2577

LANSING- While the American Academy of Pediatrics has always endorsed breastfeeding as the optimal form of nutrition, Michigan falls short of federal target goals for breastfeeding in the early postpartum period, at six months, and at one year of age. Many mothers report lack of support as a primary reason they discontinued breastfeeding.

In an effort to eliminate one of the barriers to breastfeeding, Rep. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) will introduce a resolution and a bill in support of mothers’ right to breastfeed their child. “Michigan is one of only a handful of states that still fails to protect breastfeeding moms from being harassed, segregated, or otherwise discouraged from breastfeeding in public,” said Rep. Warren. “Breastfeeding moms must be allowed to feed their infants wherever they may otherwise legally be. This is more than a lifestyle choice; it is an important health choice.”

Both mothers and children benefit from breast milk. Breast milk contains antibodies that protect infants from bacteria and viruses. Breastfed children have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and have diarrhea less often. Infants who are exclusively breastfed need fewer health care visits, prescriptions and hospitalizations resulting in a lower total medical care cost. Breastfeeding also provides long-term preventative effects for the mother, including an earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight, reduced risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and osteoporosis.

A mother’s decision to breastfeed also results in reduced absenteeism at work, as her child will be sick less often. Employer medical costs are lower and employee productivity is higher. “Now more than ever, we need an energetic, healthy workforce,” said Rep. Warren. “I am proud to introduce this legislation along with my colleague and co-sponsor Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker (R-Lawton.) Let’s add breastfeeding mothers to the list of those protected under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. No longer will Michigan’s breastfeeding mothers be banished to feed their children in toilet stalls and broom closets.”

For more information about this legislation or Representative Rebekah Warren, please contact her office at 517-373-2577 or rebekahwarren [at] house.mi.gov, or visit her website at http://053.housedems.com.

We need to document the need for the improved legislation through stories like this one. We also need folks to build relationships with their Michigan legislators. We’ll be happy to hear from folks.

Never at anytime has a parent enrolled in our program been prohibited from breastfeeding, nor were children “evacuated” due to exposure to breastfeeding. There are many decisions and choices that parents choose to make in the best interest of their child that we do not incorporate into our program, breastfeeding has always been welcomed and supported in our centers. We do not challenge the legality of breastfeeding in public. We do however stand behind our dedication to the quality care that we’ve given all children.

For more than 20 years Rainbow Child Development Center has supported, encouraged and welcomed breastfeeding parents and teachers. If you have further questions please address them to Karen Krygier at the Home Office 248 569-2500. The Director of the Plymouth location, Mary Buchin is only following her job duties and should not be subjected to calls and/or e-mails; her time needs to be focused on the children in her care not defending a policy that is in compliance with the State of Michigan guidelines. We understand that breastfeeding is a very sensitive topic and respect your right to express your opinion; however we respectfully ask that you direct your concerns related to designated breastfeeding areas to your respective legislators.