In Canada, World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from October 01-07th. The theme for 2011 is “Talk to Me – Breastfeeding a 3D Experience.” This theme celebrates the ways we “talk” about breastfeeding, from peer-to-peer in person support to professional consultants meeting online in a chat room to everything in between. Traditionally, breastfeeding has been talked about in two dimensions: time (how long to nurse) and place (public nursing, support in health communities). Communication is the third dimension to breastfeeding!
One of the goals for this year is to encourage interest and advocacy among those who are generally less interested: men, youth, and those in the health community that are not advocates. One way you can do this is to invite someone to attend one of the celebrations in the province during World Breastfeeding Week. Certainly invite your pregnant and breastfeeding friends, but think outside the box too: invite your friend’s husband, your teenage relatives or family friends, your doctor!
Following are the events currently planned for Newfoundland and Labrador. Keep checking back as more may be added!
In St. John’s and area:
Join with other families for a morning of free family fun! This event takes place on Saturday, October 01st from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Avalon Mall. Take part in a breastfeeding challenge, bring along your sling or carrier for a babywearing demonstration, and learn about using cloth diapers. There will be snacks, prizes, music and displays. And lots of family fun! For more info check out the facebook event page.
In Labrador City:
Labrador-Grenfell Health Authority is hosting a Breastfeeding Challenge. This event takes place on Saturday, October 01. Registration is at 10:30am and the event starts at 11:00am. It will be held in the new Wee College Classroom located in the Pentecostal church building. There will be refreshments and gifts! Older children are also welcome. For more information, check out the facebook event page or contact Karla Richards at 944-9360 or Meaghan Milley at 944-9319.
For information on future breastfeeding events around the province, follow our facebook events calendar. Check back for regular updates!
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