Breastfeeding Awareness Month

WHEREAS, the health and well-being of all Virginians are of utmost importance to the prosperity and livelihood of our Commonwealth's families and communities; and

WHEREAS, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth with continued breastfeeding for at least twelve months of life ensures that both mothers and infants receive maximum health benefits; and

WHEREAS, breast milk is physiologically tailored to meet infants' maturing digestive systems, ensuring proper growth and development; and

WHEREAS, breast milk helps prevent a variety of infections and many chronic diseases, including asthma, diabetes, obesity, and cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia; and

WHEREAS, breastfeeding enriches the bonding process between mother and child, and it provides women with health benefits such as reduced risk of ovarian, uterine and breast cancer, as well as osteoporosis and high blood pressure; and

WHEREAS, breastfeeding is a vital emergency protection for the infant during times of disaster by providing a safe, secure source of food and hydration that is readily available; and

WHEREAS, mothers in Virginia are guaranteed the right to breastfeed their children on any State property, and all employers are encouraged to accommodate the breastfeeding needs of mothers and their children; and

WHEREAS, keeping breastfeeding high on the public health agenda is critical in globally improving the health and well-being of mothers and babies;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize August 2012 as BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.