Here's the complete text of news release from Gov. Pete Wilson's press office. It's very positive. Kudos to sponsoring Assemblyman Villariagrosa and California breastfeeding advocates who worked on getting this passed. WILSON SIGNS BILL ALLOWING MOTHERS TO BREASTFEED IN PUBLIC For Immediate Release Contact: Sean Walsh Monday, July 14, 1997 Lisa Kalustian 916/445-4571 SACRAMENTO -- Continuing to promote the health and well being of mothers, infants and children, Governor Pete Wilson today signed AB 157 (Antonio Villariagrosa, D-Los Angeles), giving California mothers the legal right to breastfeed their children in public. "By signing this bill, I am removing barriers of embarrassment, harassment and charges of indecent exposure when a mother breastfeeds her child in public," Wilson said. "Breastfeeding, whether in public or private, is a normal, healthy way of nourishing infants." While 74 percent of California women initiate breastfeeding upon their child's birth, only 17 percent continue to exclusively breastfeed after nine weeks, according to California Department of Health Services. Additionally, extensive health research shows that breastfeeding is the most healthful way to feed infants, and that it leads to decreased infant morbidity and mortality rates. Breastfeeding is acknowledged as the preferred method of feeding infants by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Health Association, the federal government and others. A mother's milk has also been proven to increase a child's immunity from diseases, such as bacterial and viral infections and allergies. It also provides both short and long term health benefits for mothers, as it promotes rapid recovery from childbirth, delays the return of ovulation and may reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding benefits society as a whole by promoting maternal and infant bonding and decreasing health care costs fo infants. This legislation is needed, regrettably, to specifically clarify that breastfeding is not something indecent, and in fact is in the best health interest of both mother and child," Wilson said. To further underscore the governor's prevention agenda, he has designated August as "Breastfeeding Awareness Month," acknowledging that a mother's milk provides children with optimum growth and development, protection against specific infections and allergies, and positive long term effects on their health and well being. Attached is a copy of the Governor's Proclamation. - 30 - (N.B. from Mary - proclamation not attached in this e-mail to Lactnet) Mary Cummins, M.Ed., IBCLC private practice LC, Scottsdale, AZ and mother of breastfed daughter who is now grown up and working for the Governor's Chief of Staff