How communities support breastfeeding

It takes a community to raise a child, which includes protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding. Does your community program work closely with parents, young children, and families?

This webpage is a great place to learn more about how you can support breastfeeding parents in your community.

Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI)

Pregnant clients and families are vulnerable to advertising from sellers of baby products. The Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) supports that breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for parents and infants, and that families need space to make informed feeding decisions without the influence of marketing from formula companies.

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Breastfeeding wellness tips
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Celebrate Breastfeeding Weeks

In Canada, National Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from October 1 to 7. This is because October is the 10th month of the year, symbolizing the first week of a baby's life after 9 months of pregnancy - the time when baby may begin to breastfeed.

National Breastfeeding Week is a time for families, health care providers, and advocates to come together and shine a light on efforts to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Watch for promotional activities from Northern Health and learn how you can get involved to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week in your community.

Celebrate other breastfeeding weeks:

  • World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to 7) - World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)
  • Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25 to 31) - Black Breastfeeding Week
  • Indigenous Milk Medicine Week (second Sunday of August)
  • Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week (third week of August)
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Create breastfeeding-friendly spaces
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Explore breastfeeding education

Do staff in your program support families with infant feeding? Education can help to ensure they have the knowledge and skills they need to support families with their infant feeding goals. Below are some options for breastfeeding education.

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