Interior Health is taking part in World Breastfeeding Week by hosting events around the region.
Image Credit: Jomphong via FreeDigitalPhotos.net
October 02, 2013 - 7:30 PM
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Don't be alarmed if you see large groups of women baring their breasts to babies this week, it is World Breastfeeding Week and events around the region are planned to help bring awareness to the importance of breastfeeding.
Breast milk is considered ideal for babies yet studies have shown less than 50 per cent of B.C. Moms are still breastfeeding at six months.
“Breastfeeding is natural, but it is not always easy. Learning to breastfeed and becoming comfortable with breastfeeding takes time,” said Joanne Smrek, Regional Knowledge Coordinator with Interior Health. “Support from family, friends, health-care providers and communities can make all the difference in building a woman’s confidence and comfort with breastfeeding.”
In conjunction with the international week, Oct. 1-7, Interior Health has 11 events arranged around the region, including one for Salmon Arm on Wednesday, Oct. 2 and one in Vernon on Thursday as well as ones in Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton on Saturday.
An 11 a.m. latch on is planned for most of the events and some will also feature extra activities, such as a baby wearing fashion show and door prizes.
Mothers looking for more information on breastfeeding can contact a public health nurse or use the online Breastfeeding Buddy Tool.
Oct. 2: 1:30-3 p.m. at Salmon Arm Health Centre.
Oct. 3: 10 -11:30 a.m. at Vernon Library.
Oct. 5: 10:30 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. latch on at St Paul's Cathedral (360 Nicola St.) in Kamloops, Kelowna Farmer and Crafters Market, Penticton Farmer's Market and the waiting area at Polson Tower Level 2 in Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2013