1511cf66_all_To_Action_on_Breastfeeding__Topic
[ID] 944 [Interest Areas] Nonprofit Organization [Comment] I am very concerned about the ways in which women and infants are treated before, during, and after birth and its affects on breastfeeding. Studies have shown that it is more difficult to establish a good breastfeeding relationship after a cesarean birth, and yet the newly released CDC statistics demonstrate that cesarean births continue to rise. Shameful induction rates and bans on vaginal births after cesarean are just two factors contributing to this crisis. I urge our federal government to support policies that promote mother and baby-friendly hospitals and birth centers, reward those institutions that are committed to improving womens health throughout their pregnancies and childbirths, and urge hospitals and birth centers to practice evidenced-based care while caring for pregnant and laboring women. These institutions need to demonstrate their commitment to womens health by making a sincere effort to lower cesarean, induction, and epidural rates, and create calming, supportive spaces for birthing and for the bonding and breastfeeding period following the birth. Our representatives should support legislation that requires both public and private health insurance to cover the costs of homebirth and birth center births with certified nurse and professional midwives, who are proven to produce excellent results for mothers and babies, as well as doula support and access to highly qualified lactation consultants. [Topic] 
Maternal and Infant Care Practices: Prenatal, Hospital, and Post-Delivery Care
Call To Action on Breastfeeding
Topic