Hello Lactnuts;
Well, I've gotten two messages from folks who wanted to use my letter but
were unable to read it due to some kind of transmission scramble.  So here
is the full text for y'all. (from Martha Johnson RN, IBCLC, Eugene, Oregon)

Dear Editor:

Most new mothers are aware of at least some of the many and well-documented
benefits of breastfeeding.  Children who are breastfed receive protection
from: bacterial and viral infections; allergies and asthma; certain
childhood cancers; juvenile diabetes; SIDS; developmental delays, and more.
Unfortunately, economic pressures of our times force many new mothers to
return to the workforce while their babies are still quite young.  The need
to return to paid work is cited by many women as a reason for not
breastfeeding.

Help is on the way in the form of HR 3531, introduced by Rep. Carolyn
Maloney (D., NY).  This bill is designed to ease the transition from home to
the workplace for breastfeeding moms.  The bill will:
*       Protect a woman's right to breastfeed or express her milk while at
work
*       Encourage employers to protect and support breastfeeding
*       provide mother's milk breaks (unpaid time) for lactating employees
*       Develop minimum quality standards for breastpumps
*       Launch a national breastfeeding awareness campaign
*       Expand WIC's existing breastfeeding promotion program

Corporations which have already instituted in-house lactation support
programs similar to HR3531 report better employee morale; reduced healthcare
costs; and greatly reduced costs associated with employee absenteeism
(breastfed babies are healthier, thus their parents miss fewer workdays due
to the need to care for sick children).  Make your contribution to a
healthier society today--write to your U.S. representative and senators
today in support of HR 3531.

   Immunize Daily: Breastfeed!
(your signature here)