The federal government has launched a program to encourage mothers – especially new mothers – to breastfeed. Missouri is one of nine states in which the campaign is being kicked-off. This state’s effort starts in mid-Missouri, with hopes of it being extended to the rest of the state. Melinda Ridenhour of the Cole County Health Department says a good part of the focus is on working mothers returning to their jobs, having the ability to express their milk while at work. Ridenhour says a change in workplace attitides is needed in some jobs, with people being more accepting of a co-worker breaking for a few minutes to pump her breast milk.
