Canadian Breastfeeding Week 2022

Canadian Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from October 1 to 7 each year. The week is set aside to raise awareness about the critical role breastfeeding plays for the nutrition, immunologic protection, growth and development of young children. 

This year, the theme Step up for Breastfeeding – Educate and Support is meant to focus attention on the need to strengthen the capacity of those who protect, promote and support breastfeeding within our community. So much of a person’s success with breastfeeding relates to the circle of supports around them. 

Educate

Exclusive breastfeeding (baby getting only breastmilk) is recommended for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding along with solid foods for up to two years and beyond. 

• Breastmilk is perfectly designed for a child’s nutritional needs and helps to prevent infections. 
• Breastfeeding supports mother and child attachment, provides food security to infants and ensures mother and child have the opportunity to be healthy.
• Breastfeeding is important for a mother’s health as it decreases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, depression, type 2 diabetes and weak bones. 

 

With the mounting evidence that demonstrates the importance of breastfeeding for infants, children and women, it is important to make informed decisions about infant feeding. The circle of support around a mother can help her meet her breastfeeding goals.

Support

A circle of support is key to helping mothers establish and continue breastfeeding. Support can come from many places: a partner, family, other moms, health care providers, workplaces and the broader community.

• Family and friends can create a positive environment for a new mother by learning about the importance of breastfeeding, bringing mom a glass of water or a snack while feeding, helping with household chores, or giving supportive words and encouragement.
• Healthcare providers can ensure they are following breastfeeding best practices that have been shown to increase a mother’s success at reaching her breastfeeding goals.
• Workplaces can learn about the Ontario Human Rights Code that requires accommodation for breastfeeding and returning to work and can create policies that require staff to be aware of the rights of a breastfeeding mother.
• The community can show support for breastfeeding by smiling and expressing words of encouragement if we see a parent breastfeeding, not asking them to cover up or feed elsewhere, and refer breastfeeding parents to professional and/or peer supports if they have challenges.

 

Consider how YOU can step up for breastfeeding!

To learn more about breastfeeding and local support, check out Middlesex-London Health Unit https://www.healthunit.com/breastfeeding or call 519-663-5317.

 

Laura Dueck, Public Health Nurse, Middlesex-London Health Unit