Raising awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding

By Denissa Palmer

With World Breastfeeding Week upon us, the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit has decided to support the universal movement with their own event.

On Oct.2 between 2 and 7 p.m., the Empire Theatre will be hosting a free event. There will be two showings of the new documentary called The Milky Way. This documentary is a motivational film for new mothers to learn all of the benefits of breastfeeding.

In addition, downtown restaurants participating in the event have offered to provide ten per-cent off of meals on that day. Community partners will also display local breastfeeding resources and services available in the community.

QNetNews spoke to some Loyalist students to get their views on breast-feeding. Many supported the practice. Third year General Arts student Miriam Sullivan was extremely supportive about the idea of breastfeeding. “I was breastfed as a child, and I definitely look forward to continuing that tradition with my own children one day.” Other students like Takira Faracas and Cassandra Reed also support the idea primarily because of how natural and beneficial it is for babies. “I live a very natural and organic life, and I will continue to teach my kids to live the same way. Regardless of all the new technology and genetic mutations there are around today”, Reed continues.

On the other hand, students like Judith Huntington aren’t as sure about the benefits of breastfeeding. “I’ve witnessed kids who were and weren’t breastfed and I haven’t noticed much of a difference.”

The documentary outlines several tips as to why breastfeeding is so beneficial for newborns. It reveals all the power and nutrition stored in a pregnant woman’s growing body and how much it affects the baby’s growth and health. According to the documentary, America has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. The documentary suggests that industry has turned the idea of newborn nutrition into a business. But it also says formula feeding increases the child’s risk of obesity. Along with the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding, the documentary says it creates a special bond between a mother and the child that strengthens their long-term relationship.

The Hastings And Prince Edward County Health Unit staff members are more than happy about the positive reactions towards breastfeeding. “We’re hoping that our community continues to support the services we offer to motivate mothers to breastfeed. It’s natural, and mothers need to become more comfortable with public nursing. Especially among the younger generation starting new families”, Sarah Titnac said.

The health unit was approved to support the world-wide organization called Baby Friendly Initiative earlier this year, and looks forward to spreading awareness among the community. Along with this universal support group, the health unit also provides several classes for new families and mothers with questions about childcare. “Live, Love, Latch” is just one of the many peer support group that provides a comfortable and open place where new mothers can educate themselves about child care.