World Breastfeeding Week

Nova Scotia mothers are getting encouragement to start breastfeeding and to stay with it as a result of a provincial breastfeeding policy that is celebrating its first anniversary.

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection and the Department of Health released the provincial breastfeeding policy in October, 2005. The policy supports efforts in district health authorities, including hospitals and public health services, as well as family resource centres and other community organizations.

"Encouraging women to breastfeed and supporting their decision will ultimately increase the health of Nova Scotians," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.

The anniversary of Nova Scotia's breastfeeding policy comes as Canada celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, Sunday, Oct. 1, to Saturday, Oct. 7. This year's World Breastfeeding Week focuses on the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, which the provincial breastfeeding policy supports.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for babies until they are six months of age. With appropriate introduction of solid foods at six months, breastfeeding can continue to two years and beyond.

Breastfeeding is proven to have a positive effect on children's overall health, with lower risks of infectious diseases, obesity, allergies, asthma, diabetes and other chronic diseases later in life.

Breastfeeding also has benefits for mothers, with decreased risk of certain cancers and faster return to their pre-pregnancy weight.

As a result of funding from Health Promotion and Protection to support Healthy Eating Nova Scotia's breastfeeding initiatives, many district health authorities have identified priorities at a local level to promote, protect and support breastfeeding.

Many districts have revitalized their local Breastfeeding and Baby Friendly Initiative committees. Some have begun to develop peer support lines for breastfeeding mothers, based on the success of a Yarmouth initiative.

Moms who have breastfed volunteer to encourage mothers who are new to breastfeeding. Research suggests that peer support is successful in encouraging mothers to start and continue to breastfeed. Peer support complements the efforts of hospitals, public health services and other community organizations.

"We are proud to be the second province in Canada to adopt a provincial breastfeeding policy. We will continue our efforts to promote breastfeeding as the normal and healthiest infant feeding method. After all, breastfeeding is the first step in a lifetime of healthy eating," said Mr. Barnet.