October 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week in Canada and in Yorkton. The initiative coincides with the 40th week of the year, thus symbolizing the 40th week of pregnancy.
The 2014 World Breastfeeding Week theme is, "Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life!", acknowledging that when mothers and babies succeed in their breastfeeding plans, they can enjoy a lifetime of benefits.
Infant feeding is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and most women who choose to breastfeed have a specific goal in mind. Research shows that babies who receive only breast milk for the first six months of life are less likely to develop a wide range of chronic and acute diseases, including ear infections, diarrheal diseases, asthma, obesity, and respiratory illnesses. Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding with a decreased risk for breast and ovarian cancers.
To reach the goal of exclusive breastfeeding, mothers need a team of helpers and healthcare professionals to support them. This breastfeeding team can include family, friends, physicians, nurses, midwives, employers, and childcare providers. Together, the breastfeeding team provides information to boost confidence, protects mothers against critics, gives reassurance, and lends a hand to help breastfeeding mothers succeed.
When mothers and babies are able to reach their breastfeeding goals, they also contribute to community prosperity, health, equity, and environmental sustainability.
The Sunrise Health Region will be celebrating and supporting the WBW's theme this year by ensuring breastfeeding support for mothers in the community.
The Breastfeeding Matters Support Group has been offered in Yorkton for the last few years, and Sunrise will now also be offering group support in Canora and Esterhazy. For more information on times and location, go to our Facebook group page "Yorkton and Area- Breastfeeding Support Group", or call (306)786-0625/0886.
The Sunrise Health Region will also be hosting the Quintessence Nursing Challenge on October 4/14, at the Yorkton Parkland Mall at 10:30, across from the food court. For more information on this you can go to, www.babyfriendly.ca or call (306)786- 0625/0886.
