The Muskoka Breastfeeding Coalition and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit are teaming up to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week the first week of October.
October 1st to October 7th is recognized as National Breastfeeding Week – an initiative to raise awareness of the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, to strengthen individual, family, and community support for breastfeeding, and to further strategies that promote breastfeeding practices.
The global theme for National Breastfeeding Week 2024 is Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All. Breastfeeding is of benefit to everyone, and efforts must be made to ensure access to breastfeeding support and opportunities for all. It is essential that no-one is left behind, especially vulnerable parents who may need additional support. All levels of government, along with communities and families, need to be engaged to close the gap in breastfeeding inequalities and support breastfeeding for all, especially vulnerable groups.
A culture of support, empowerment and enablement is fundamental to supporting breastfeeding families in our community. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond, is known to improve a person’s chances for good health over a lifetime. Breastfeeding is a human right and the Ontario Human Rights Code protects a woman’s right to breastfeed in a public area without discrimination. The World Health Organization’s Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding calls on governments worldwide to create environments that enable families to make informed choices about feeding practices for infants and young children.
Because breastfeeding is a team effort, we all have a role to play to support the breastfeeding family. Whether you are friends or family, a community member, municipal government, health centre or workplace, there are things you can do to empower and support breastfeeding.
Attend one of the many local events during National Breastfeeding Week to show your support.
Flag Raising:
- Gravenhurst Municipal Office Friday Oct 4th 2024 9:30 am
It’s also valuable to know where families can go to get help with issues. Visit for breastfeeding help and support www.smdhu.org/MuskokaBreastfeeding service listings, including in-person and online support groups. In addition, businesses, organizations, workplaces and municipalities can do their part by supporting breastfeeding and creating breastfeeding friendly places; to learn more, visit https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/HealthUnit/Workplaces/WorkplaceHealth/BreastfeedingFriendly
For information or help with breastfeeding, call Health Connection Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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