National Breastfeeding Week

Every year between October 1–7, Canada celebrates National Breastfeeding Week, a time to recognize the vital role that breastfeeding plays in giving babies the healthiest possible start in life. Human milk helps build a baby’s immune system, provides optimal nutrition for growth and development, and offers important physical and mental health benefits for parents. 

This year’s theme, “Strengthen What Works: Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life,” reminds us that breastfeeding helps build a strong foundation for lifelong health. It also benefits our communities by reducing healthcare costs and lowering our impact on the environment. The theme also highlights that breastfeeding is most successful when families are surrounded by strong, lasting support from friends and family, healthcare providers, employers and their community.  

Here are some ways to build a strong circle of breastfeeding support: 

Learn about breastfeeding during pregnancy. Building knowledge before your baby arrives can help you feel more prepared and confident. The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) offers a free online prenatal education program, including a module dedicated to breastfeeding.  

• Share your infant feeding goals with family and friends. Talk about how they can support you during the early weeks. For example, loved ones can help by preparing meals or doing household chores while you focus on resting and feeding your baby. 

• Discuss your goals with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can offer quality information, answer your questions, and address breastfeeding concerns throughout your journey. 

• Connect with community supports. MLHU offers free telephone support and in-home visits to help with breastfeeding challenges. You can also find reliable information and resources on our website at www.healthunit.com. 

• Know your rights. In Ontario, you have the right to breastfeed your baby in any public space at any time. You cannot be asked to cover up, to move or to stop feeding your baby. You also have the right to breastfeeding support when you return to work. Employers must accommodate breastfeeding employees by providing reasonable time and a suitable space to breastfeed or express milk at work, without requiring employees to use meal breaks or make up the time later. 

 

For more information about breastfeeding or how you can support other breastfeeding parents, reach out to a Public Health Nurse today by phoning 519-663-5317 extension 5. 

At the Middlesex-London Health Unit, we welcome people of all identities. We recognize that people use different words to describe themselves and their experiences. In this article, we use “breastfeeding” as an inclusive term to represent all human milk feeding experiences. 

 

Submitted by Heidi Reynolds BScN, RN, IBCLC for the Middlesex-London Health Unit