1518 Castine Road
Penobscot, ME 04476
April 24, 2013
Senator Valentino and Representative Priest
Committee on Judiciary
c/o Legislative Information
100 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Dear Sen. Valentino and Rep. Priest,
I am writing on behalf of the Maine Association of Certified Professional Midwives to express our support for two important bills impacting the mothers and families we serve: LD 777, "An Act To Protect Working Mothers Who Breast-feed" and LD 830, "An Act To Further Protect Pregnant Women under the Maine Human Rights Act".
The research on the benefits of breastfeeding to mothers and babies in unequivocal -- there is no better food for babies. Babies who are exclusively breastfed enjoy many benefits including lower rates of obesity, allergies, asthma, dental issues, and hospitalization. Mothers who breastfeed have lower rates of female cancers and are more apt to be a healthy weight. Breastfeeding creates healthier babies, children, and mothers, and as a result, lower healthcare costs.
In Maine, essentially all of the women who birth with Certified Professional Midwives intend to nurse their babies exclusively for at least six months as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization. Maine CPMsrecognize return to work as the largest factor preventing mothers from achieving this intent. Many women successfully breastfeed and return to work, but for others the logistical challenges of pumping breast milk at their work site eventually leads them to stop breastfeeding earlier than they had planned. Mothers often cite the lack of privacy, time, and support at their work places as the reason they feel they can no longer continue to breastfeed.
Passage of LD 777 and LD 830 will put in place the protections that mothers need to be supported in making the best nutritional choice for their babies. MACPM is happy to see these bills before your committee, and we look forward to their passage.
Thanks for all you do in service of the citizens of Maine, especially for mothers, babies, and families.
Sincerely,
Holly Arends Murphy, CPM