To all women who might possibly reproduce someday, if they haven't already:

A position paper recently released by the United States Breastfeeding Committee has some good reminders about the importance of breastfeeding in helping keep health care costs down. Below are some highlights, and the entire position paper can be found at their website under the link "Health Care Reform Begins with Breastfeeding."

- NOT breastfeeding increases health risks to baby and mother (Breastfed babies have fewer infections, lower SIDS rates, and grow up to have lower incidence of obesity, diabetes, and asthma. Moms who breastfeed at least 1 year have lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease compared to women who never breastfed.)

- Nationally, we lose $475 per non-breastfed infant due to extra health costs during the first year of life. "These costs are bourne by Medicaid, insurance companies, hospitals and parents."

So, sorry, Sparks: tits are NOT only a source of fun and games at home! They are also there to feed our little Joe so that he'll grow (and be healthy and less costly)!