Health Department recognizes World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 1 - 7

Whitby, Ontario - In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 1 to 7, Durham Region Health Department is reminding soon-to-be parents or new parents about the many free breastfeeding supports and services offered throughout the Region.

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as being the natural means of providing nutrition for infants, benefitting the health of mothers, children and the community. The Public Health Agency of Canada, Dietitians of Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society and the College of Family Physicians of Canada agree that babies need only breast milk for the first six months of life. After six months, babies will begin eating solid foods and can continue to breastfeed for up to two years and beyond.

"While breastfeeding is a normal and natural process, it’s not always easy and mothers may experience challenges when breastfeeding," said Shannon Gainey, Manager, Population Health with the Health Department. "Early, accessible and consistent breastfeeding support and information is essential in helping mothers reach their breastfeeding goals."

Research shows that breastfeeding is successful when there is access to ongoing individual and peer supports. In Durham Region, the Health Department offers the following free programs and services:

• One-to-one breastfeeding support through home visits and clinics.
• Breastfeeding groups at four locations throughout Durham Region.
• Online prenatal classes including breastfeeding resources available at durham.ca/onlineprenatalclasses.
• Phone support through Durham Health Connection Line, 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729.

To learn more about breastfeeding supports in the community, call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/breastfeeding.

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For more information, please contact Health Department.