Res. No. 435 Title Resolution recognizing the week of August 1 to August 7, 2002 as World Breastfeeding Week and encouraging the education of new mothers regarding the health benefits of breastfeeding. Body By Council Members Boyland, Perkins, Baez, Brewer, Comrie, Felder, Jackson, Quinn and Weprin; also Council Members Katz, Lopez, McMahon, Sanders, Serrano, Stewart and Vann Whereas, Breastfeeding is known to provide both mother and child with physical and emotional advantages; and Whereas, Breast milk supplies infants with complete nutritional needs and is the best first food; and Whereas, Breastfeeding fosters optimal brain development and growth in infants; and Whereas, Breast fed babies are known to have significantly less common illnesses due to stronger immune systems; and Whereas, Because of its considerable health benefits to infants, breastfeeding is recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians; and Whereas, Breastfeeding is also known to provide mothers with health benefits, such as reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer; and Whereas, The benefits of breastfeeding have been recognized and its practice encouraged by organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF; and Whereas, In addition to physical health benefits, the contact between baby and mother promotes the psychological well-being of both; and Whereas, By educating new mothers and fostering an environment that promotes breastfeeding, it is likely that more women and children will benefit from this practice; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes the week of August 1 to August 7, 2002 as World Breastfeeding Week and encourages the education of new mothers regarding the health benefits of breastfeeding. LS# 929 JP 8/9/02 ?? - 2 -