Back to SearchHEALTH UNIT LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY
NORTH BAY, ON - The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is kicking off National Breastfeeding week with the “Normalize It” campaign to promote and celebrate breastfeeding families. Together with community partners and Mayor Al McDonald, the Health Unit encourages the community to support breastfeeding families. As part of the campaign, the Health Unit has unveiled four new breastfeeding cut-outs, which will be on display across the districts.
“The cut-outs have multiple purposes - to increase breastfeeding visibility, get people talking about breastfeeding, and to show our support as a community for breastfeeding families,” says Heather Lawson, public health nurse. “We’re also launching a fun and interactive social media contest to encourage families to engage with the cut-outs.”
From October 1 to the 15, if you come across one of the life sized breastfeeding cut-outs in the community, take a picture with your family or friends and the cut-out and send it to the Health Unit, via email or the Health Unit’s Facebook page. The Health Unit will then post the picture on their Facebook page and ask their followers to vote on their favourite submission. The top three photos will receive a grocery gift card (total prize value - $175). If you don’t see one of the cut-outs in person, you can still participate by submitting a personal picture of yourself and your family or a friend while breastfeeding.
Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend breastfeeding up to two years and beyond – according to provincial data many families initiate breastfeeding after birth but don’t reach their breastfeeding goals due to barriers such as: comfort breastfeeding in public, returning to work or school and knowing where to get appropriate support. Breastfeeding families are more likely to reach their breastfeeding goals with support. By bringing together partners, families, communities, health care systems and workplaces we can create a culture that supports breastfeeding.We ask that you join us by participating in this initiative, and to show your support for breastfeeding families.
For more information on the Normalize It campaign, including how to participate in the contest, visit www.myhealthunit.ca/normalizeit or call 1-800-563-2808.
Quick Facts
- In Canada, we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week from October 1 to 7, 2019.
- The Health Unit offers breastfeeding support programs and resources, including breastfeeding clinics, peer support education and telephone support.
- The Health Unit encourages local businesses to demonstrate their support by displaying a breastfeeding cling in their establishment. The stickers and clings are available through the Health Unit.
Media Inquiries
Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
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