October 11, 2007

Dear Senator,

Support breastfeeding mothers THIS FALL by voting YES to pass MA Senate bill 78, An Act Relative to the Public Health Benefits of Breast Feeding.

The letters enclosed in this packet represent mothers and those who support them who feel passionately that the state of Massachusetts should pass legislation protecting employed nursing mothers and nursing in public. Mothers should not be hindered in doing what is healthiest for their babies and themselves because of lack of workplace acommodation or fear of public reprisal. All babies should be given the healthiest start in life possible!

The women of MomsRising of the Pioneer Valley, the political action arm of MotherWoman, Inc., have collected these letters over the past two months to demand action by the Senate on this important issue affecting the health of our next generation. Massachusetts should recognize that all mothers have the right to feed their babies wherever they need to, in whatever manner is necessary for them and their babies. Starting now, new mothers who are citizens of Massachusetts should know that they are fully supported in developing a breastfeeding relationship with their child if they choose to and are able to do so.

Those most affected by the lack of the protection afforded by Senate Bill 78 have no words yet. We feel the need to speak up collectively on behalf of the babies whose mothers should be protected. We hope you and your colleagues in the Senate will make it a priority to pass Senate Bill 78 this year.

Sincerely,

Melanie DeSilva, Executive Director, MotherWoman, Inc. Catherine Manly, Steering Committee, Momsrising of the Pioneer Valley Katie Rubenstein, Steering Committee, Momsrising of the Pioneer Valley Linda Ziegenbein, Steering Committee, Momsrising of the Pioneer Valley