New Era Coming for Breastfeeding in the Workplace?

Breastfeeding seems to be the uncomfortable topic that everyone knows is healthy, but no one really wants to talk about -- especially when it comes to the workplace.

However, when the health care bill signed by President Barack Obama goes into effect, everyone will be talking about breastfeeding -- especially employers.

That's because under the new Fair Labor Standards Act, employers will be federally mandated to provide women with breaks and a place to breastfeed.

But how will some women do it? After all, working moms include park rangers, bus drivers, postal workers and police officers. Where and when can they get a break?

It's not an easy question. Do you have a solution?

The Department of Labor is asking for your input through Feb. 22. You can contribute your thoughts here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three out of four new moms start out breastfeeding, but the number of women breastfeeding beyond three months has remained low.

This initiative could make it easier for women to breastfeed longer. The effect on American moms and their babies could be wide-ranging, the health benefits numerous. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, a government-run organization, breastfeeding provides disease-fighting antibodies that can help protect infants from several types of illnesses and may reduce the risk of some health problems, such as breast cancer and type 2 diabetes, in mothers who breastfeed.