World breastfeeding challenge & celebration: this weekend

The challenge is on to have the most children breastfeeding at one time, in one place, (latch-on) at 11 am. Mothers in Vancouver, and around the world, will gather on Saturday morning to participate in the 15th annual Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge, which aims to set new yearly records for the most babies breastfeeding at one time.

There will be draw prizes, entertainment and snacks. Bring the whole family! Please let your clients, patients and friends know and help spread the word!

Date: Saturday October 1, 2016

Time: 10 am to noon

Cost: Free

Location: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House

2305 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver

Street parking and underground pay parking is available at Whole Foods on the corner of West 4 Ave and Vine St or at London Drugs on Broadway and Yew St. Bus routes are available on West 4 Ave or on Broadway.

Benefits of breastfeeding

Along with the nutritional benefits for your child, breastfeeding strengthens a mother’s connection to her baby and can even reduce the risk of osteoporosis, post-partum depression and certain reproductive cancers later in life.

According to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), over the last two decades child mortality has decreased by about 40 per cent, although approximately seven million children under the age of five still die each year mainly from preventable diseases. Furthermore, the proportion of neonatal deaths (during the first month of life) now comprise an increasing proportion of all child deaths. In partnership with UNICEF and the World Health Organization, WABA aims to advocate, raise attention and strengthen efforts to enable more mothers across the globe to breastfeed. Along with adequate complementary feeding, exclusive breastfeeding has the potential to save the lives of about 20 per cent of at-risk children under the age of five.