PARRY SOUND, ON – Some mothers want to feel comfortable breastfeeding wherever they want to and the local health organization wants to make it happen.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) is launching the Normalize It campaign on Monday to coincide with National Breastfeeding Week.Â
According to the organization, it wants to improve visualization and normalization of breastfeeding in the community. The plan is to engage Parry Sound to provide knowledge so residents will support the initiative.
The NBPSDHU said in an email that the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends nursing up to two years and beyond.
The health unit added that Ontario families initiate breastfeeding after birth, but don’t reach their nursing goals. It listed barriers like comfortability of breastfeeding in public, returning to work or school and knowing where to get appropriate help as reasons mothers may stop nursing.
“Family, friends and the community can make a difference,” the NBPSDHU said in the email. “By bringing together partners, families, communities, health care systems and workplaces we can create a breastfeeding-friendly culture.”
The health unit asked the community to join in celebrating National Breastfeeding Week by participating in the initiative and show support for nursing families.