The State Duma’s First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Family, Women and Children, a member of United Russia, announced plans to draft legislation aimed at supporting breastfeeding. The information comes from DEA News reporting.
In her remarks, the parliamentarian noted that the group of legislators within the ER legislative team has begun work on a project focused on maternal and child welfare. The goal is to provide clearer guidance and resources for families navigating the early years of motherhood.
She described the initiative as a way to educate mothers about how breastfeeding fits into broader family health objectives. The plan centers on a federal program designed to support breastfeeding across all life stages, starting with pregnancy and continuing after birth.
According to her, breastfeeding should be viewed as a critical stage linked to the health and development of a newborn, since breast milk delivers nutrients that cannot be perfectly replicated by substitutes. This understanding reinforces the push for sustained support for new parents as they adjust to caring for a baby.
The deputy also highlighted breastfeeding’s potential impact on long-term health, including its role in reducing risks of certain cancers among women, which aligns with ongoing public health discussions about preventive care and lifelong wellness.
Past discussions from research groups at leading universities have explored how early dietary patterns, including breastfeeding, can influence metabolic health later in life. Some studies suggest that lactation may affect the body’s insulin processes and the function of pancreatic cells, contributing to a lower likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes for some individuals as time goes by. These findings contribute to the broader conversation about how early life nutrition shapes health outcomes, and they inform policy debates on maternal support programs.
For audiences in Canada and the United States, the conversation resonates with similar policy goals—strengthening maternity care, expanding access to lactation support, and ensuring that families receive practical assistance as they begin and continue breastfeeding. While the specifics of legislation differ by country, the underlying aim remains to protect both maternal and child health through informed, accessible resources and consistent support systems.