Nova Scotia Supportive of Baby-Friendly Initiative

Health Minister Jim Smith reaffirmed the government's commitment to healthy child development today, announcing the appointment of a Baby-Friendly Initiative co-ordinator to help promote optimal development through breastfeeding.

The Baby-Friendly Initiative was launched worldwide by UNICEF to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Nova Scotia is one of five provinces to officially endorse the initiative.

"It is vital that we recognize the basic steps to achieving good health," said Dr. Smith. "Breastfeeding promotes health and protects newborns from infection, and we're pleased to support this initiative in Nova Scotia."

Elizabeth Shears, provincial nutritionist and co-ordinator in public health programs for the Department of Health, has been appointed as Baby-Friendly Initiative co-ordinator. In the coming weeks, she will be establishing a provincial Baby-Friendly Initiative steering committee.

"Implementing the Baby-Friendly Initiative in our province creates exciting opportunities to develop partnerships and networks at the regional and community levels," said Ms. Shears. "Together we can help expectant parents make informed decisions about breastfeeding."

Ms. Shears was in Vancouver last week to participate in an event that officially launched the Baby-Friendly Initiative in Canada. The event tied in with National Child Day, marking the 10th anniversary of the birth of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Nova Scotia has conducted two comprehensive infant-feeding surveys, one in 1982 and the second in 1994. The most recent showed that rates of breastfeeding had increased by nearly 12 per cent. Much of this is due to the dedicated work of health professionals, community agencies and support groups throughout the province.