Dr. Tricia Feener is a paediatrician and mother of two breastfed children who believes that hospital practices make a difference in breastfeeding outcomes. “Research shows that by providing care that meets baby-friendly standards, breastfeeding rates increase,” says Dr. Feener. “Ensuring that mother and baby have skin-to-skin contact right after birth, initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth and not supplementing babies with formula unless medically indicated are important steps which can improve breastfeeding outcomes.”
The Breastfeeding Action Committee, Western region, is planning celebrations for women with newborns in Western Memorial Regional Hospital and in Community Health Clinics throughout the region. Community events are planned for Corner Brook, Deer Lake, Stephenville, Stephenville Crossing and Port aux Basques. In addition, mothers who deliver babies this week at Western Memorial Regional Hospital will receive a breastfeeding-friendly kit with a bib, shirt and a door hanger.
Breastfeeding provides the best short and long term health protection for both mother and baby. Women can breastfeed their baby with no other food or drinks until the baby is six months old. This is when they can begin to introduce healthy family foods while continuing to breastfeed for two years or longer.
Take the steps this week to encourage, support and celebrate women and their children on reaching their breastfeeding goals. For breastfeeding information and support go to www.babyfriendlynl.ca.
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Media Contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
709-637-5252
heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca
Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week Events in Western Region
Corner Brook
Breastfeeding to the First Year and Beyond
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 6-7:30 p.m.
347 O’Connell Drive Upper Level Common area
Stephenville Crossing
“Thank you for breastfeeding” session for past, present, and future breastfeeding moms
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2:30 p.m.
Boardroom Public Health Office
Stephenville
Celebration for breastfeeding moms and other women interested in breastfeeding
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2:30-3:30 pm
LS Eddy Bldg Gallant Street
Deer Lake
Breastfeeding Celebration for pregnant and breastfeeding women
Thursday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.
Community Health Office, 20 Farm Road
Port Aux Basques
Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2010
Thursday, Oct. 7, 1-3 p.m.
Lobby of Dr. Charles L. LeGrow Health Centre