Natasha Burnham

Job Title
Public Health Nurse

Department/Location
Prenatal and Early Years

How long have you worked at VCH?
2 years

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I work as a public health nurse in the prenatal to 5 year old program. I have the privilege of working with families during the crucial – and exciting! – developmental years of their child’s life.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
It’s hard to pick one thing! A significant part of my job revolves around breastfeeding. We know that breast milk is the first choice for feeding babies, and the benefits of breast milk are seen across the lifespan. However, breastfeeding is not always easy or possible for some families. One of my roles as a public health nurse is to support parents who want to breastfeed, as well as encourage families to donate any extra breast milk to the Provincial Milk Bank so that more babies can have access to the endless list of health benefits that breast milk provides. Go to their website to learn more! Another important part of my job is to raise community awareness about breastfeeding, to help all parents feel comfortable feeding their babies in public, no matter how they choose to do so.

This year, on October 1st, to continue to spread the word about breastfeeding and its critical contribution to the health of women and newborns worldwide, VCH will be hosting its annual “Breastfeeding Challenge” at the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. Come and join us as we try to beat last year’s record of nearly 50 “latch-ons” at one time! http://www.vch.ca/about-us/news/events/event-details?eventId=318

How does your work contribute to the VCH True North goals?
A cornerstone of public health involves promoting healthy behaviours to enhance the health of the community. We also acknowledge that all families are unique and are experts when it comes to their health and their needs. Working with families to support breastfeeding, preventing the spread of disease through our immunization programs, and connecting families to community resources are just a few examples of ways in which we are promoting better health for the community and putting people first.

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I lived in and worked in Montreal for 5 years. (I speak French but hardly use it here in Vancouver!)

Three things you always have in your fridge:
Avocados, eggs and almond milk.

Who or what inspires you?
New parents! I think it’s amazing what they are able to cope with – so much information, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and more, and they still go about their day with a smile on their face. If that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is!

Most healthy habit:
I work out pretty regularly, it helps me stay in shape and, more importantly, relax and unwind.

Favourite vacation spot:
Getting away from it all at my family’s cabin on the Sunshine Coast… but really anywhere with a beach and sun.