Pro-breastfeeding group backing paid family leave

A lot of mothers want to breastfeed their babies, but economic concerns make it difficult to continue to do so.

“The reality is that nearly one in four women in the United States go back to work within two weeks of giving birth,” said Lucy Sullivan, Founder and Executive Director of 1,000 Days, a pro-breastfeeding group.”Not only do they not really have time to establish breastfeeding, many of them don’t even have time to recover from childbirth.”

Breast milk acts as babies’ first vaccine, building their immunity and protecting them from infections and diseases.

We at 1,000 Days are very passionate about supporting moms who want to breastfeed to breastfeed for as long as they can,” said Sullivan. “That’s why we are pushing for a national paid family leave program that covers all workers and all parents, not just moms.”

In fact, 1,000 Days supports family leave even for those taking care of their parents, if it is needed.

“One of the proposals in Congress right now does take that into account,” said Sullivan. “It provides sort of that comprehensive leave opportunity for employees for a range of needs.”

Many employees have access to the Family and Medical Leave Act, but FMLA leave is unpaid.

Image courtesy: 1000 Days