Region marking this as World Breastfeeding Week

Oct. 1 to 7 is World Breastfeeding Week, an international event that celebrates the benefits of breastfeeding.

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, over the next six months York Region Health Services will be launching a new media campaign encouraging businesses, organizations, community services and the public to fully understand and support the right of women to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.

Images portraying York women breastfeeding their children in the park, on public transit and in a restaurant will be displayed across the region through a series of media, including public transit advertising.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission has clearly stated that nursing mothers have the right to breastfeed a child in any public place, Health Services reported. The commission pointed out that "breastfeeding women should not be disadvantaged in services, accommodation or employment because they have chosen to breastfeed their children" and that "breastfeeding is really a health issue, and not one of public decency. Women should have the choice to feed their baby in the way that they feel is most dignified, comfortable and healthy."

Health Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society and York Region Health Services recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life, with continued breastfeeding in conjunction with age-appropriate solid foods for two years and beyond.

Breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and child. Women who choose to breastfeed decrease their risk of breast and ovarian cancer and increase postpartum weight loss. Research also indicates that breastfed children have: • Fewer respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses when compared to formula fed children; • Decreased risk of asthma, allergies, Type 2 diabetes, certain childhood cancers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and obesity; • Enhanced cognitive development, resulting in improved school performance and higher IQ scores.

York Region Health Services offers free support and instruction to breastfeeding mothers through prenatal classes, telephone consultation, home visits and direct oneon one breastfeeding consultation in a clinic setting.

For more information about this or any other health-related topic, contact York Region Health Services Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or visit www.york.ca/health