Children, Seniors and Social Development
November 22, 2016
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:
Government Highlights Importance of Breastfeeding
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to highlight the importance of breastfeeding in the early months of life.
My past experience as a neo-natal nurse impressed upon me the value of breastfeeding. There are clear links to the prevention of breast and ovarian cancers in mothers who breastfeed and in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, obesity and type 2 diabetes in infants who are breastfed.
Just a few weeks ago, I was pleased to meet with the Baby Friendly Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, and we discussed our government’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding and working with the council towards increased duration.
Although breastfeeding rates in the province continue to rise, they are still not on par with the national average. In Phase Two of The Way Forward, our government has outlined our plan to implement policies and practices that support healthy eating and breastfeeding in municipalities.
Supporting and encouraging breastfeeding is a prime example of early intervention for healthy living and in addressing rising rates of chronic disease. As a government, we are working to achieve greater efficiency, enhance services, and improve outcomes to promote a healthy and prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you.
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2016 11 22 1:45 p.m.