Happy Breastfeeding Awareness month

Who knew? State Sen. Patricia Clancy, for one:

CLANCY INTRODUCES RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE
BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS MONTH

COLUMBUS—State Senator Patricia Clancy (R-Colerain Township) today introduced a Senate Resolution that recognizes Governor Taft’s designation of August, 2006 as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Ohio.

Studies have shown that breastfeeding has significant health benefits for both infants and mothers who are nursing. In fact, according to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, “breastfeeding provides protection against acute infectious diseases including ear infections, respiratory infections, pneumonia, bowel infections and meningitis.” Evidence also exists that a mother’s milk can help protect against “autoimmune disease, obesity and certain cancers” and work to improve cognitive function. In addition, the Academy notes that breastfeeding can reduce a mother’s “risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer, Type II diabetes and osteoporosis.

“Breastfeeding not only carries tremendous health benefits for a mother and her infant, it is key ingredient to a child’s overall growth and development. Unfortunately, a stigma exists in today’s society that has worked to discourage mother’s from breastfeeding,” said Clancy. “This resolution is designed to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, urge community support and promote the health of mothers and children across the state.”

Last year, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 41, legislation sponsored by Sen. Clancy that says a mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any place where the public is welcome. The law became effective in September 2005.