Since last summer, our country has experienced a major financial meltdown, and our troubled economy weighs on the minds of all Americans. Yet we've also witnessed an election of historic import, and many are speculating about what "change" will look like now that President Obama has taken office.

Now is the time to make our voices heard to the new administration: to encourage the new President to place a high priority on breastfeeding as an essential public health issue. To strengthen our appeal, we've created a petition to President Obama, urging him to take several actions to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

In the coming months, our leaders will be focused on our economic and financial future. This time of crisis also presents an opportunity to remind them that working mothers are an essential part of our nation's economic security, just as the health of our children is a critical part of our future. A full three-quarters of mothers are now in the labor force. As government and employers cut back in response to the recession, many more families are struggling to cover the rising costs of health care, groceries, and other necessities. We need your support to ensure that in these troubled economic times, all women and families can access the resources and support they need to do what's best for their babies.