Breastfeeding is believed to be the best thing in an infant’s life. Medical practitioners recommend mothers to breastfeed their infants for at least six months, and continue it wth complementary foods till they turn two. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin released a document “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding” outlining tips for women to tackle obstacles that might arise during the breastfeeding period.

Dr. Benjamin says, “many barriers exist for mothers who want to breawstfeed. They shouldn/t have to go it alone. Whether you’re a clinician, a family member, a friend, or an employer, you can play an important part in helping mothers who want to breastfeed.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while 75 percent of infants in United States begin their lives with breastfeeding, less than 13 percent end up beig breastfed at the end of six months. The percentage is especially low amonmg African-American babies.

Breastfeeding is not easy for women who return to work when their babies are only three to four months old. They have to be very careful while planning and actually implemeting when and how to pump and store their breastmilk during hours they are out of homes.

An act called Affordable Care Act, enacted last year, will help in this endeavor. According to this law, employers are supposed to provide time and a private space to female employees who want to express milk. Health plans are required to offer certain preventative services without cost-sharing requirements. It includes couseling and support for mothers who wish to breastfeed.