[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 130 (Wednesday, July 31, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 299--DESIGNATING THE FIRST WEEK IN AUGUST 2019 AS 
``WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK'', AND DESIGNATING AUGUST 2019 AS ``NATIONAL 
                         BREASTFEEDING MONTH''

  Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Markey, 
Mr. Brown, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Cardin, and Mr. Coons) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 299

       Whereas the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that 
     a baby be fed exclusively through breastfeeding for about the 
     first 6 months after the birth of the baby, followed by 
     continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are 
     introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or 
     longer as mutually desired by the mother and infant;
       Whereas the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action has 
     designated the first week of August as ``World Breastfeeding 
     Week'', and the United States Breastfeeding Committee has 
     designated August as ``National Breastfeeding Month'';
       Whereas National Breastfeeding Month focuses on how data 
     and measurement can be used to build and reinforce the 
     connections between breastfeeding and a broad spectrum of 
     other health topics and initiatives;
       Whereas World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding 
     Month provide important opportunities to address barriers to 
     breastfeeding faced by families across the United States and 
     around the world;
       Whereas, according to the 2016 Breastfeeding Report Card of 
     the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 81.1 percent 
     of mothers in the United States, or about 4 out of every 5 
     mothers in the United States, start breastfeeding their 
     babies at the birth of their baby;
       Whereas by the end of 6 months after the birth of a baby, 
     breastfeeding rates for mothers in the United States fall to 
     51.8 percent, and only 22.3 percent of babies in the United 
     States are exclusively breastfed at 6 months of age;
       Whereas 2 of every 3 mothers report that they are unable to 
     reach their personal breastfeeding goals;
       Whereas there are substantial racial and ethnic disparities 
     in breastfeeding initiation and duration;
       Whereas, in 2014, 85.7 percent of non-Hispanic White 
     infants were breastfed, as compared to--
       (1) 68.0 percent of non-Hispanic Black infants; and
       (2) 79.5 percent of non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska 
     Native infants;
       Whereas the Healthy People 2020 objectives for 
     breastfeeding are that--
       (1) 82 percent of babies are breastfed at some time;
       (2) 61 percent of babies continue to be breastfed at 6 
     months; and
       (3) 34 percent of babies continue to be breastfed at 1 
     year;
       Whereas breastfeeding is a proven primary prevention 
     strategy that builds a foundation for life-long health and 
     wellness;
       Whereas the evidence of the value of breastfeeding to the 
     health of women and children is scientific, solid, and 
     continually reaffirmed by new research;
       Whereas a 2016 study of maternal and pediatric health 
     outcomes and associated costs based on 2012 breastfeeding 
     rates indicates that if 90 percent of infants were breastfed 
     according to medical recommendations, 3,340 deaths, 
     $3,000,000,000 in medical costs, and $14,200,000,000 in costs 
     relating to premature death would be prevented annually;
       Whereas the great majority of pregnant women and new 
     mothers want to breastfeed but face significant barriers in 
     community, health care, and employment settings; and
       Whereas a 2016 study found that universal breastfeeding--
       (1) could prevent 800,000 child deaths per year across the 
     world; and
       (2) is an invaluable tool for mothers to provide essential 
     nutrients to protect newborns against infectious diseases in 
     developing countries: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the first week of August 2019 as ``World 
     Breastfeeding Week'';
       (2) designates August 2019 as ``National Breastfeeding 
     Month'';
       (3) supports the goals of World Breastfeeding Week and 
     National Breastfeeding Month; and
       (4) supports policies and funding to ensure that all 
     mothers who choose to breastfeed can access a full range of 
     appropriate support from child care and health care 
     institutions, health care insurers, employers, researchers, 
     and government entities.

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