As you are aware, the American Academy of Pediatrics has now
released its long awaited new infant feeding guidelines. The new
guidelines are a huge improvement in terms of assertive and unapologetic
advocacy for breastfeeding. The AAP is to be commended for taking such a
strong stance in favor of breastfeeding for all American mothers and
infants. The complete text of the new guidelines can be viewed at:

http://www.aap.org/policy/re9729.html

One of the exciting new recommendations within the AAP guidelines is
that all infants should receive human milk for *at least* twelve months.
Again, this marks a radical change and the AAP should be receiving
accolades from all quarters of the women's movement.

Unfortunately, the National Organization for Women (NOW) has publically
taken an  unlikely position *against* the new AAP guidelines, stating
that working mothers shouldn't be made to feel "guilty" if they are
unable or unwilling to breastfeed. Clearly, NOW is not aware of the
importance of breastfeeding to infant-maternal health and of the ways in
which breastfeeding can and should be accomodated in the workplace. By
taking such a position, NOW is only assisting those employers who
continue to prevent their female employees from meeting the needs of
their children while staying productive on the job.

It is critical that NOW receive an immediate and forceful response from
feminist mothers around the United States in regards to this issue.
Please contact NOW to support breastfeeding at:

http://www.now.org/comments.html

as soon as possible. Please also forward this message to anyone you feel
might be interested.

Katie Allison Granju
Knoxville, TN