New Policy Encourages Breastfeeding

Nova Scotia mothers need more support and encouragement to choose breastfeeding and, more importantly, to keep it up.

A new policy will put that support in place. Health Minister Angus MacIsaac announced the policy, developed by the Department of Health and Nova Scotia Health Promotion, today, Oct. 5. He said it focuses on ways to encourage women to start and continue breastfeeding exclusively for six months.

"For the first time the provincial government is officially stating that we support the work being done by our partners to promote breastfeeding," said Mr. MacIsaac. "If more women have encouragement, more will breastfeed. We must all support this healthy choice."

Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald said, "Nova Scotians are known for being there for each other when they need it. That's what we're encouraging with this policy and we are committing to do more."

Today's announcement took place at the Mi'kmaq Child Development Centre in Halifax where, thanks to widespread community support, each mother breastfeeds. As a result, 70 per cent continue to breastfeed for longer than 18 months.

That compares to a 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey showing that 38 per cent of Nova Scotia women are still breastfeeding at four months, 31 per cent breastfeed to some extent for six months, and only 12 per cent still breastfeed exclusively at six months. Research shows that babies can, and should, be exclusively breastfed through the first six months of life. Breastfeeding can continue as part of a child's diet until the age of two and even beyond.

"I'm impressed by the work of the women at this centre," said Mr. MacIsaac. "They understand the many benefits of continued breastfeeding and are working hard to help mothers continue with it."

Initially, the policy will ensure that breastfeeding messages are included in any initiatives and programs that involve healthy eating and children. It will also mean more information is distributed to encourage Nova Scotians to support breastfeeding. In addition, the new policy will help hospitals and community health services support breastfeeding.

"This policy is an important statement for government to make and lays the foundation for developing future action plans," said Mr. MacDonald.

The provincial Healthy Eating Nova Scotia strategy, created by the Healthy Eating Action Group and now led by Health Promotion, was released in March 2005 and identifies breastfeeding as one of four priority areas. The release of the provincial breastfeeding policy is one of the first steps in implementing the strategy.

"Supporting the women in your life with this important decision will increase rates of healthy children and mothers in Nova Scotia. Ultimately that will help sustain the health-care system," said Mr. MacIsaac.

Exclusive breastfeeding of babies for six months is proven to have a positive effect on their overall health, with lower risk of infectious diseases, obesity, allergies, asthma, diabetes, cancers, and heart disease later in life.

The new policy is online at www.gov.ns.ca/ohp/ .