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North Bay Breastfeeding Coalition
News Release

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World Breastfeeding Week is an annual event that celebrates the importance of breastfeeding. 2007 marks the 16th annual World Breastfeeding Week which, in Canada, is celebrated from October 1st to October 7th, representing the 40th week of pregnancy when breastfeeding is initiated.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Breastfeeding First – beginning within the first hour of birth”. Breastfeeding within the first hour after birth is the natural progression of the birth-breastfeeding continuum and is important to the preservation of the mother-baby dyad. Early initiation of breastfeeding has been recognized by infant nutrition experts as a vital step in achieving the best possible standard of health in young children.

To promote World Breastfeeding Week in our area, the Health Unit in conjunction with our local Breastfeeding Coalition, organizes different activities. Some of these activities may include mall displays, radio ads, newspaper articles and certificates to breastfeeding newborns and their mothers.

In North Bay we will be sponsoring a “Breastfeeding Challenge” at the Northgate Square (across from American Eagle) which will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. “The Challenge” is to have the most mother’s breastfeeding simultaneously in a set geographic area. All breastfeeding mothers, family and friends are invited to attend. There will be free draws as well as some musical entertainment.

Our aim is to have a breastfeeding friendly culture. Breastfeeding is celebrated year round, thanks to all mothers who are giving their babies the opportunity to benefit from this valuable resource, breast milk.

For more information contact Anne Smith (North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit) @ 474-1400 ext. 2356 or email [email protected]

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