Activities are underway at the Sunrise Health Region in order celebrate and promote World Breastfeeding Week, according to a release from Sunrise Health Region.
World Breastfeeding Week is held from October 1 to 7, and the theme for the 2016 is “Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development.” The theme is based on the 17 Global Sustainable goals from the United Nations.
“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 for the health region. “Food security for all families is a global priority and breastfeeding is affordable, acceptable, appropriate, and readily available for infants and young children.”
The events began on Saturday with the Quintessence Nursing Challenge at the Yorkton Gallagher Centre, and in Melville at St. Peter’s Hospital in the Grayson Room. The goal of the challenge was to have the largest number of mothers breastfeeding simultaneously in a set geographical area. Sunrise Health Region has been participating in this challenge for the past five years and welcomed all breastfeeding mothers to the event.
Sunrise Health Region facilitates the Breastfeeding Matters Support Group, which is hosted in Canora, as well as Yorkton, Melville, Kamsack, Esterhazy, and Langenburg. The time and location for each support group is available at the local public health office 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 and who need support and information, the release said. Mothers attending any of the breastfeeding support groups in October can enter a draw for a gift basket.
The Breastfeeding Matters Support Group in Kamsack has started cooking classes which started in September and will continue to December. The classes teach participants how to create 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 allow mothers to breastfeed in public places. Thirty businesses, including restaurants, have joined the project in Yorkton, Foam Lake, Melville, and Langenburg. Businesses that are part of the project can be identified by the universal breastfeeding symbol, which is posted in a window or on the door of the business.
“We appreciate the partnership of the business community,” said Russell. “And, especially during World Breastfeeding Week, we encourage everyone to watch for the symbol and to join in thanking these businesses.”
