World Breastfeeding Week Proclaimed in the Province

World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from October 1 to 7, has been proclaimed in Newfoundland and Labrador by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. This year’s theme is Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers, which focuses on providing peer support through friends, family, the community and the health care system to help encourage and sustain breastfeeding among new mothers.

“There are many known benefits to mothers and their children who breastfeed, especially in the early stages of a child’s development,” said Minister Sullivan. “Breastfeeding helps develop close bonds between a mother and child, it is economical, portable and provides all the nutrients and antibodies a baby needs during early development. Families who choose to breastfeed are certainly encouraged to reach out to their friends, family and primary health care providers to learn techniques, receive support and develop an all-important social connection with a community of mothers going through the same experience.”

Family physicians, maternity nurses, public health nurses and breastfeeding support groups provide important information and assistance with beginning and continuing breastfeeding.

Provincial services and resources available throughout the province include prenatal education and support programs for pregnancy, birth and early parenting; the Healthy Beginnings program which supports newborns, young children and their families; child health clinics; preschool health check programs; and, immunization programs. For more information on these services, contact regional health authorities to find out what programs are available.

“It is important that mothers are supported by family, friends, health care providers, employers, and the broader community, as appropriate and timely support builds a mother’s confidence and contributes to breastfeeding success,” said Janet Murphy Goodridge, Chair, Baby-Friendly Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. “In Newfoundland and Labrador, there is an enthusiastic and growing community of support available online and through social media. Mothers are encouraged to visit these sites and to get connected.”

For more information on resources available at Baby-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit www.babyfriendlynl.ca .

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2013 10 01             9:50 a.m.