Local events for breastfeeding week

Activities are planned in Sunrise Health Region to celebrate and promote World Breastfeeding Week (October 1-7, 2016).

The 2016 World Breastfeeding Week theme is “Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development” and the theme is based on the 17 Global Sustainable Goals set in 2015; for more information on these goals, visit www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment.

“This year’s theme recognizes the importance of breastfeeding to address food security and the health and well-being of the population, two of the foundations needed for sustainable development,” says Heidi Russell, Regional Lactation Consultant. “Food security for all families is a global priority and breastfeeding is affordable, acceptable, appropriate, and readily available for infants and young children.”

The 2016 World Breastfeeding Week kicks off with the Quintessence Nursing Challenge (www.babyfriendly.ca) on October 1, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Yorkton Gallagher Center, and in Melville at St. Peter’s Hospital in the Grayson Room. The goal of the challenge is to have the largest number of mother’s breastfeeding simultaneously in a set geographical area, province, territory, state or country, as a percentage of the birth rate. Sunrise Health Region has been participating in this challenge for the past five years and hopes to make this the best year yet.  All breastfeeding mothers are welcome. More information about the challenge is available on the “Yorkton & Area - Breastfeeding Support Group” Facebook page, or by calling Lactation Services at (306) 786-0886 or the Early Visiting Program at (306)786-0625.

Sunrise Health Region facilitates the “Breastfeeding Matters Support Group” hosted in Yorkton, Melville, Kamsack, Canora, Esterhazy, and Langenburg. The time and location for each support group is available at local Public Health offices or by contacting the Lactation Services Department of Sunrise Health Region. The support groups are open to any mother who is currently breastfeeding or to pregnant women who are considering breastfeeding. In addition to support and information, mothers attending any of the breastfeeding support groups in October can enter a draw for a gift basket in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week.  

The Breastfeeding Matters Support Group in Kamsack has started cooking classes which will be offered from September to December, 2016. The classes teach participants how to stretch their food dollars with low cost, healthy meals while also receiving support to start, or to continue breastfeeding.  

“The ‘Baby Friendly Business Project’ is another way that breastfeeding is being encouraged in our communities,” says Russell.

The Baby Friendly Initiative Working Group in Sunrise Health Region has collaborated with local businesses to support breastfeeding in public places. Thirty businesses, including restaurants, have joined the project within Yorkton and, more recently, in Foam Lake, Melville, and Langenburg. Businesses that have signed on can be identified by the universal breastfeeding symbol posted in a window or on the door of the business.

“We appreciate the partnership of the business community,” adds Russell. “And, especially during World Breastfeeding Week, we encourage everyone to watch for the symbol and to join in thanking these businesses.”

To attend any of the support groups or events mentioned in this article, call your local Public Health Nurse or (306) 786-0886 and/or (306) 786-0625.