Breastfeeding Bill of Rights

Here's something to chew on, no pun intended.  Some New York lawmakers have sbumitted legislation called the "Breastfeeding Mothers' Bill of Rights."  On the surface it might seem harmless but if you read it, you'll find it's not so benign.  So much so that even the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which supports and promotes breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months, has issued a statement saying they don't support the legislation.

The proposed legislation says things like "you have the right to make your own choice about breastfeeding."  Okay.  Sounds fine.  It also says a mother-to-be should be fully informed about breastfeeding.  But then it proceeds to legislate what "fully informed" really means.  And it defines it for not just the mother but for doctors!  The legislation is aimed at preventing mothers from choosing, or even being exposed to the option of formula.  In one sentence it says "You have the right to complete information about the benefits of breastfeeding for yourself and your baby."  Fine.  Then it adds "This will help you make an informed choice on how to feed your baby.  You have the right to receive information that is free of commerical interests."  Formula is what they mean.  So my question is, how can you be fully informed on how to feed your baby and what is right for you and your family if you're not allowed to have all the information but rather, just what these lawmakers want you to have?

Listen, I'm the first one to say "breastfeed, breastfeed, breastfeed."  But there are many legitimate reasons why a new mother may choose not to. It's irresponsible and can be physically and psychologically damaging not to fully inform a woman about her choices.  What are these lawmakers so afraid of?

And, on top of that, legislating conversations between doctors and their patients is the most ridiculous thing I've heard.   What is this?  It sounds like a scene out of George Orwell's 1984. How dare these lawmakers?

No one has the right to legislate your reasoning or to make you feel guilty if you choose not to breastfeed.  And, I think, that legislation just does that.  Moreover, if I were a doctor I'd be completely insulted.  A good gynecologist and/or pediatrician knows what advice to give new mothers.  And a good doctor knows that each new mother's situation has unique qualities to it and that there is no  "one size fits all" when it comes to advising how to feed a baby.  How do you feel?  Voice your opinion by taking our poll question below.