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The road to life-long health begins with breastfeeding
Did you know that breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and child?
October 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week in Canada, a time to draw attention to the benefits of early and continued breastfeeding and to build community acceptance of breastfeeding. The International Lactation Consultant Association has selected the theme “The road to life-long health begins with breastfeeding” as a reminder of the long-term benefits of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding has many well-documented benefits for both mothers and babies including: bonding and attachment; protecting mom against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis; and protecting babe against ear infections, respiratory infection and diarrhea. Breastfeeding also promotes babies’ tooth, jaw and brain development and provides optimal nutrition while saving money.
The World Health Organization recommends early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age and continued breastfeeding, with the introduction of solid food, for two years or beyond. Yet even with all of the benefits to mothers and babies, in B.C. less than 50 per cent of moms are nursing at six months, despite a nursing rate that’s over 90 per cent when moms and babies leave the hospital after birth.
Lactation consultants and public health nurses are available at public health units across Interior Health to assist mothers and infants during the breastfeeding years to ensure families have all the help they need to give babies the best start in life. Contact your local public health unit for more information.
Successfully meeting the World Health Organization’s guidelines requires much more than a mother’s knowledge and commitment. Social acceptance and community support are also needed.
“One of the biggest hurdles for mothers is a lack of support for breastfeeding in their community,” said Lea Geiger, Lactation Consultant with Interior Health. “Support and acceptance of breastfeeding from family members, health-care providers, employers and communities can make a big difference in the health of moms and babies.”
A number of Interior Health sites are holding events to mark World Breastfeeding Week. All breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to come out and participate and to bring their supporters with them.
Community Breastfeeding Events
Media, breastfeeding mothers and their supporters are invited to attend events in their area.
Cranbrook: Breastfeeding Challenge
Date: Saturday, September 29
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Cranbrook Farmers’ Market – Rotary Park
Fernie: Breastfeeding Challenge and Refreshments
Date: Saturday, September 29
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (latch-on at 11 a.m.)
Location: Lunch Box, 362B-2nd Ave
Kimberley: Breastfeeding Challenge and Latch-On
Date: Wednesday, October 3
Time: 11 a.m. – noon (latch-on at 11:30 a.m.)
Location: Kimberley Public Library, #115 Spokane Street
Creston: Breastfeeding Challenge, Latch-On and Resource Display
Date: Thursday, October 4
Time: 10 a.m. (latch-on at 11 a.m.)
Location: Creston Public Library, 513 16th Ave S.
Golden: Open House at Baby Talk – Guest speaker Dr. Clark, Physician and Lactation Consultant
Date: Wednesday, October 3
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Golden Health Unit
Nelson: The Big Latch-On
Date: Saturday, September 29
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Chako-Mika Mall
Interior Health
