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HEALTH ISSUES
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BREASTFEEDING IS BEST START TO BABY'S LIFE AND HEALTH |
By SUKI GREWAL, RN, MSN, and RADHIKA BHAGAT, RN, MSN
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According to recommendations from Health Canada, The World Health Organization and UNICEF, breastfeeding babies exclusively for the first six months then combining breastfeeding with nutritious complementary foods for the next two years is the best choice for health and development.
Exclusive and sustained breastfeeding promotes optimal growth and development and protects infants and children from acute and chronic illnesses. Breastfeeding offers protection for some women against breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, osteoporosis and anemia. Finally, unlike formula, mother's milk for her baby does not cost anything.
Many women fail to meet their own breastfeeding goals and wean their children prematurely, well before meeting the recommended guidelines. Two of the biggest hurdles for mothers continue to be lack of support and marginalization by the community. In the South Asian community, breastfeeding was the only way to feed a baby for many mothers "back home." However, being in a new country with many other issues facing women, breastfeeding for long period may not be possible. We want our mothers to know that breastfeeding, even for a short time, is better than none at all. It is the best start to the baby's life and health.
As families and the community, it is also our responsibility to support and encourage our new mothers so that our children have the best start in life. Our health care system provides such support for new mothers through the hospital and public health service delivery.
Each year, celebrating breastfeeding week and a day for breastfeeding challenge recognizes the importance of breastfeeding worldwide. On September 29, at 11 a.m., mothers and babies will gather at locations around the world in hopes of setting the record for the most moms breastfeeding at one time. Last year Canada and the United States combined to set the record with 4,687 little ones breastfeeding simultaneously at 156 sites.
This year's celebration will take place in Richmond, Vancouver and North Vancouver and all moms, babies and families are invited to the events that will also feature food, entertainment and prizes. These events are co-sponsored by the Quintessence Foundation, a non-profit group that provides education to parents and professionals about breastfeeding BC Women's and St. Paul's Hospital and Vancouver Coastal Health.
Saturday, September 29:
Events start between 10 and 10:45 a.m. with the breastfeeding challenge at 11 a.m.
* Richmond
Richmond City Hall - 6911 No. 3 Road
* Vancouver
Oakridge Mall Auditorium - 650 West 41st Avenue
BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre - 4500 Oak Street
St. Paul's Hospital - 1081 Burrard Street
Britannia Community Centre - 1661 Napier Street
* North Vancouver
Capilano Mall - 935 Marine Drive
Visit www.babyfriendly.ca for more details on the Breastfeeding Challenge events.
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