The New Jersey Department of Health is proposing rules that would have hospitals encourage mothers to breastfeed their newborns.
Under the proposal, hospitals would ask new mothers about how they want to feed their babies. Mothers that choose breastfeeding would be provided education and support. Those that choose to bottle feed would still be allowed to use the method.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that breastfeeding is on the rise in the United States.
“Breastfeeding is good for the mother and for the infant," said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Despite these increases, many mothers who want to breastfeed are still not getting the support they need from hospitals, doctors, or employers. We must redouble our efforts to support mothers who want to breastfeed.”
The rules will be open for public comment until April 5.
If implemented, New Jersey would become the fourth state with such a policy.
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