THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	6
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

ENCOURAGING THE JOHN A. BURNS SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND THE SCHOOL OF NURSING AND DENTAL HYGIENE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO INCLUDE BREASTFEEDING IN EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM TO EDUCATE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TO ADVOCATE AND PROMOTE BREASTFEEDING AMONG EXPECTANT MOTHERS.

     WHEREAS, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, human breast milk is preferred for all infants, including even premature and sick babies, with rare exceptions; and

     WHEREAS, according to the World Health Organization, a lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life contributes to over one million avoidable child deaths each year; and

     WHEREAS, human breast milk is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses, including diarrhea and pneumonia which are the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide; and

     WHEREAS, recent studies show that babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses and may also be less likely to develop childhood obesity; and

     WHEREAS, breastfeeding also benefits mothers by inducing a lack of menstruation, which is a natural method of birth control; reducing risks of breast and ovarian cancer later in life; helping women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster; and lowering rates of obesity; and

     WHEREAS, breastfeeding is inexpensive and convenient, and breast milk is least likely to cause allergic reactions in babies; and

     WHEREAS, the act of breastfeeding contributes greatly to developing and cementing the lifelong bond between mother and child and also increases self-esteem in mothers; and

     WHEREAS, breastfeeding reduces health care costs for mothers and their babies; and

     WHEREAS, although almost every mother can breastfeed successfully, some new mothers may need the encouragement and practical support of their families, health care providers, and employers; and

     WHEREAS, health care professionals play a crucial role in providing the supportive education and encouragement necessary to convince expectant and new mothers to breastfeed their babies; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, the House of Representatives concurring, that the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene of the University of Hawaii are encouraged to include breastfeeding in an educational curriculum to educate medical professionals to advocate and promote breastfeeding among expectant and new mothers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Dean of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene of the University of Hawaii, and Director of Health.

Report Title: 

Breastfeeding; Inclusion in Medical and Nursing Curriculum at University of Hawaii