Having a support system is an important part of encouraging mothers to breastfeed their children. The goal of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is to encourage moms to seek the support they need, in particular peer support. The annual observance aims to increase awareness about the critical role breastfeeding plays for the nutrition, immunologic protection, growth, and development of young children. World Breastfeeding Week starts on Saturday, October 1st and continues until Friday, the 7th.
While most mothers in London and Middlesex County start breastfeeding their babies, the number drops significantly over the months following a child’s birth. About 90% of mothers begin breastfeeding their infants, however after six months the rate falls to about 52%, and even lower to about 17% by the time babies are a year old. Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, with continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond. Therefore, an important way to help women in their effort to continue breastfeeding is to provide information and support.
“To be successful with breastfeeding, we know it’s important for moms to get as much support as possible,” says Laura Dueck, Public Health Nurse with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Peer support, or mother-to-mother support, has been shown to help women to breastfeed longer and increase the likelihood of reaching their breastfeeding goals.”
With the mounting evidence that demonstrates the importance of breastfeeding for infants and children, health organizations are increasingly committed to helping families make informed decisions about feeding their infants and to support breastfeeding for as long as a mother wants.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit provides a number of resources including online videos for breastfeeding families to help ensure they receive the information and support they need, while helping them to breastfeed their children for as long as possible.
Families can access the support they need easily, at any time, from anywhere, by visiting www.healthunit.com/breastfeeding.
In addition to its online resources, the Health Unit provides families with the opportunity to speak directly with a Public Health Nurse through its Health Connection phone line at 519-663-5317, extension 2280, or at one of its Drop-ins, Appointments, or Peer Support Groups.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Laura Dueck, Public Health Nurse, Middlesex-London Health Unit