View: Saluting New York's Breastfeeding Bill of Rights

Along with the usual resolutions and promises to do better, this new year brings with it a host of new laws. One, in particular, hasn’t received the attention it deserves. A provision has been added to the state’s Breastfeeding Mothers Bill of Rights stating that mothers have a right to “reasonable,” unpaid breaks at work to pump breast milk for three years after giving birth. According to the National Council of State Legislatures, New York is currently the only state that has a designated “bill of rights” for breastfeeding mothers.

Because we know that breastfeeding is good for the baby and her mother, at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center we have been working diligently to encourage our patients to nurse their infants.

The addition to the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill of Rights is a positive step forward for all working mothers who wish to breastfeed beyond their time home on maternity leave. Returning to work after childbirth is wrought with enough concerns — childcare chief among them. But for those mothers who choose to breastfeed, the stress is multiplied. Mainly, it comes in the form of attitudes in the workplace toward women who must express milk during the workday. A woman would need to express three times a day. It takes approximately 20 minutes each time. The employer must provide a private place other than a restroom, where a nursing mother can express her milk.

The benefits of breastfeeding are many: breastfed babies are generally healthier, stronger, have fewer hospital stays and are less likely to develop allergies, bronchitis, meningitis, asthma, ear infections and diabetes. This leads to less time out of school for illness and reduced impact on the healthcare system and employers. Some research even suggests that breastfed babies develop higher levels of intelligence. Infants who have had only a swab of colostrum (the first dose of milk from the breast) in their mouth for oral care were found to have lower infection rates. Breast milk is known as ‘liquid gold’ because it has antibodies that moms pass on to their babies.

Just as impressive are the benefits for mothers. Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer, less likely to suffer postpartum hemorrhaging, and can more quickly lose extra weight gained in pregnancy. It stands to reason that women who can comfortably express milk in the workplace will be a more loyal workers.

Breastfeeding is also a completely "green" activity. Breast milk doesn’t have to be manufactured and it doesn’t have to be transported, so it has a zero-carbon footprint. And it’s free.

In time, public policy and opinion that supports the needs of working mothers is going to be a benefit for all of us.

The writer is Nursing Director of Maternal Health at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, which was recognized by the New York State Department of Health as one of the top 10 hospitals statewide with the highest breastfeeding rates.