It appears that Obama's agenda for changing the education system in the US 
may give us an inroad to promoting breastfeeding.  See this article; the first 
full paragraph below the picture reads:

"He highlighted a proposal to offer 55,000 first-time parents "regular visits from 
trained nurses to help make sure their children are healthy and prepare them 
for school and life.""

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/10/obama.education/index.html

Taking a healthcare approach to education is, in my opinion, brilliant.  Infants 
OF COURSE need a healthy start in life if they are to be able to learn 
appropriately.  Breastfeeding has a clear role here, and it is vital that nurses 
who visit these parents are able to emphasize the importance of breastfeeding 
and provide appropriate lactation support.  As a former home-visiting nurse to 
parents of newborns, I can testify that giving a free can or two of formula at 
each visit was a large part of my function.  Mind you, if this wasn't done, 
many parents wouldn't accept services, and some of these babies wouldn't 
have been fed...period.  But if parents are educated prenatally and 
appropriately supported after the baby arrives, this can make a huge impact 
on breastfeeding, babies, and, yes, education.

I plan to write to my state senator, Claire McCaskill, who is a vocal supporter 
of Obama.  Any other suggestions of who to direct letters to would be 
appreciated.

Julie Conaway, RN, BSN, IBCLC

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