US First Lady Urges Women to Breastfeed

As part of her campaign against childhood obesity, US First Lady Michelle Obama is urging women to breastfeed. She is calling for the removal of barriers to nursing at work.

The Obama administration has already introduced more flexible work rules and tax breaks on nursing equipment in order to encourage American women to breastfeed.

The move risks fresh controversy for Mrs Obama after former Alaska governor Sarah Palin accused her and others of trying to use government power to dictate private behaviour like eating habits.

"Breastfeeding is a very personal choice for every woman," the Telegraph quoted Kristina Schake, Mrs Obama's communications chief, as telling Politics Daily. "We are trying to make it easier for those who choose to do it."

While discussing her 'Let's Move' anti-childhood obesity campaign, Mrs Obama said she wanted "to focus on the important touch points" in a child's life. "And what we're learning now is that early intervention is key. Breastfeeding. Kids who are breastfed longer have a lower tendency to be obese."

The White House is sensitive to accusations that Mrs Obama is dictating what women should do.

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Robin Schepper, director of "Let's Move" insisted to "Politics Daily" that the First Lady "is not telling women to breastfeed".

Source-ANI