The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, an independent nonprofit organization that protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding (and a sister organization to Lamaze), is encouraging everyone to tweet their candidates to tell us where they stand on the legislation and policies that moms need and deserve to be successful in reaching their breastfeeding goals. Right now, with the election looming, members of Congress and their opponents are out in our communities, talking to the public about the issues that matter. With just a few simple steps, you can ask them to stand up for breastfeeding families…while also educating them about why breastfeeding is a bipartisan issue, and what types of protection and support will really make a difference.
Take a few minutes to join the ”Breastfeeding is Bipartisan: Tweet Your Candidates” campaign by using the nifty state-by-state tool with a built-in custom Tweet, pre-populated with the Twitter usernames for the candidates in each Congressional race. You might be thinking — why Twitter? The number of elected officials and candidates using Twitter to engage with their constituents is at an all-time high. It’s a direct and public way for you to let them know what issues are important to YOU. Politicians want to hear from their constituents! For this campaign, please use the hashtag #BreastfeedingIsBipartisan.
Need more ammunition for the importance of this issue? Consider the story of elementary school teacher Anna Johnson-Smith:
In preparation for the new school year, Anna notified school administration of her intent to pump breast milk during the school day for her 4½ month old daughter. Anna’s free planning periods were scheduled in the morning, so she only needed to request someone to cover her classroom for about 15 minutes each afternoon. The school was unreliable at finding someone to cover this short afternoon break, so she frequently missed pumping sessions. Two weeks into the school year Anna was told the school could not accommodate her request. By then her milk supply had already been reduced by half, and Anna made the decision to resign.
Asking your candidates to go on record in support of breastfeeding moms is just a few clicks away! With your participation, you have the power to make sure every candidate knows the important role they play in supporting moms to reach their breastfeeding goals.
About Cara Terreri
Ask our resident obstetrical expert, Henci Goer, any question you have about conception, pregnancy, birth, and newborns. 
