A breastfeeding challenge where every child wins!
On Saturday, October 3rd at 11 am, mothers and babies at sites around the world will compete to set the record for the most babies breastfeeding at one time. There are a number of sites within Interior Health competing this year to mark World Breastfeeding Week. While this challenge is considered a competition, the many benefits to breastfeeding mean that all babies and moms participating will “win”.
Breast milk is made up of more than 200 nutritious components. Breastfeeding also provides active protection against infant and childhood illnesses and infections and helps reduce the risk of asthma, obesity, diabetes and SIDS and is shown to improve cognitive ability. Breastfeeding promotes normal bonding, attachment, brain development, higher IQ, vision/central nervous system development, jaw and facial development.
Babies aren’t the only ones who benefit from breastfeeding; nursing moms are less likely to develop breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. The World Health Organization recommends early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age and continued breastfeeding for two years or beyond.
The theme this year for World Breastfeeding Week is Breastfeeding - A Vital Response referring to the key role breastfeeding plays in times of disasters, such as fires and earthquakes, when clean water and appropriate food are often in short supply.
Lactation consultants and public health nurses are available at Public Health Units across Interior Health to assist mothers and infants during the breastfeeding years, and to ensure families have all of the help they need to give babies the best start in life.
The Breastfeeding Challenge is sponsored by the Quintessence Foundation, a non-profit group providing education to parents and professionals about breastfeeding.
Community Breastfeeding Events:
Media, breastfeeding mothers and their supporters are invited to attend events in their area.
100 Mile House:
·Thursday, October 8, 2009
· Free Lunch and Information Session
· Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre, 486 South Birch Avenue
·11 am
· For more information: Jody McFee, Public Health Nurse, 250 395-7676
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