Breastfeeding rallies in Pennyslvania, and D.C., and can Colorado set a new record?

Here is a great shot from the rally in the Pennsylvania State Capitol, on May 7th, thanks to Hollis Healy (more pictures).  The rally was in support of legislation by Senator Connie Williams to protect a mother's right to breastfeed in public.  The bill was introduced after a Leigh Bellini, a breastfeeding mother, was harrassed by security at a Pennsylvania mall.  Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states that doesn't protect a woman's right to breastfeed in public.

In the nation's capital mothers rallied in support of Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney's bill to support nursing mothers on May 10th.  The bill would protect breastfeeding and pumping women from discrimination in the workplace, create tax incentives for employers who establish lactation programs for employees, and create a tax deduction for breastfeeding equipment. 

In the picture to the left the editor of Baby Talk magazine is holding up a cover which caused some controversy.  Thanks to Karen for this great shot!  For more pictures and a description of what it was like to be there, check out her Cairo Mama blog.  The picture to the right shows Rep. Maloney addressing the crowd.  Thanks to Scott Norris for this one!

And attention Colorado moms:  here's a note about an attempt by mothers in Colorado to set a new national record for simultaneous nursing.  The event will take place on June 24th in Denver.  Organizers hope to beat the current national record of 1,130 mother/baby pairs. 

A new world record for simultaneous nursing in different locations was set by the Philippines - 9,000 mothers participated!  I think that this is particularly wonderful news because, while breastfeeding rates in much of the world are improving, the rate of breastfeeding in the Philippines is low and declining.  It also seems to be a real battleground in the fight against aggressive formula marketing in the developing world.  More on that soon.  For now, here's a great video clip on the huge nurse-out!

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Comments

[Stephanie (Adventures in Babywearing)]

I was trying to comment to your personal post and it wasn't working- so here you go:

Oh I am glad things are ok! Yay for a new car- I can't give any suggestions. We just got the new Kia Rondo. And our CSA is opening soon, too, but we haven't signed up yet. They aren't really good about returning my phone call- AH!

Steph

[amygeekgrl]

it's wonderful to see so many women coming together to support bfing and raise awareness. i'm considering going to the CO event, along with some friends. :) it'd be great to be a part of that.

[Tanya Lieberman]

Sent by email:

It's really inspiring to see so many events focused on supporting breastfeeding moms & babes. I always feel motivated to join in (wishing that I lived closer to DC or Denver!). I would definitely join in a rally trying to set or break a record for simultaneous nursing.

-Beth