September 30, 1996
(Health)

Health Minister Supports World Breastfeeding Week

Health Minister Lloyd Matthews today pledged support on behalf of the province for World Breastfeeding Week, October 1-7. Mother's milk is considered the best source of nutrition for infants. Breastfeeding provides health, nutritional, social, psychological and economic benefits to both mother and infant.

The theme of World Breastfeeding Week for 1996 is Breastfeeding: A Community Responsibility. The focus of the week's activities centres around creating environments where breastfeeding is supported and accepted. "Awareness of the value and importance of breastfeeding must be reflected by our society in real terms," said the minister. "This includes creating environments where breastfeeding is considered a natural and acceptable practice."

In Newfoundland and Labrador, rates for breastfeeding have been increasing steadily over the past 10 years from only 33 per cent in 1985 to nearly 50 per cent this year. "We hope to see this figure continue to grow steadily, bringing the province closer to the national figure of 80 per cent," said the minister.

Increased awareness of breastfeeding is due in large part to the work of the Breastfeeding Coalition of Newfoundland and Labrador. The organization is a coalition of individuals representing all sectors involved in supporting breastfeeding women and their families in this province. The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Health is a partner in the coalition.

Various activities are planned throughout the province through regional breastfeeding committees. To find out more, please contact the community health regions at the following numbers;

• St. John's - 738-4856
  Eastern - 229-3367
  Central - 651-3306
  Western - 637-2267
  Northern - 454-3333
  Labrador - 896-3542

Contact: Jill Sooley, 729-1377.