2013 World Breastfeeding Week activities kick-off Monday

Mothers in Richmond, Vancouver and North Vancouver are coming together to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, which runs annually from October 1 to 7. The event is held to celebrate healthy babies and promote public acceptance of breastfeeding as a normal, natural part of child-rearing.

This year’s celebratory theme: Coming Together to Support Breastfeeding. This acknowledges the importance of support provided to breastfeeding mothers from friends, family, peers, health care providers and the community.

In Richmond, 2013 World Breastfeeding Week activities will kick-off on Monday, September 30 with VCH’s breastfeeding display at Brighouse Library (#100—7700 Minoru Gate). Between 9:30am and 12pm that day, as well as October 2nd and 3rd, public health nurses will be on hand inform mothers/families about the supports available for breastfeeding mums.

Attend a Challenge near you

On Saturday, October 5th, Vancouver and North Vancouver moms will celebrate the 12th annual Breastfeeding Challenge. Sponsored by the Quintessence Foundation and Vancouver Coastal Health, the challenge strives to set new yearly records for the most babies breastfeeding at one time.

  • Vancouver – Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athlete’s Way, from 10am to 12pm, with latch-on starting at 11am. This celebration is a free, all-ages event and will include a performance by The Ta Daa Lady.
  • North Vancouver – Royal Canadian Legion #118, Chris Lucas Room, 123 W. 15th Street, from 10am to 12pm, with latch-on starting at 11am. This is a free, all-ages event and will include door prizes and refreshments.

Participants who can’t make it to either of the Breastfeeding Challenge events in person can participate from home via the Vancouver Coastal Health Breastfeeding Challenge Facebook page. Just comment on the page at 11am on October 5th and let us know you’re participating. You will be included in the official VCH count.

Number counts will be submitted electronically at the time of latch-on, and results are posted on the Quintessence website, www.babyfriendly.ca.