Huron County, ON – The Huron County Health Unit is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to August 7.
This year the Health Unit especially recognizes grandparents, who can have a major influence on new families.
“Grandmothers and grandfathers are important sources of support for new mothers and families,” says Public Health Nurse Ashley Furtney. “They can influence mothers’ decisions to begin breastfeeding. They can also influence how long mothers continue to breastfeed and how supported mothers feel.”
Supportive grandparents listen, encourage and praise new families in their breastfeeding journeys. They also help new families by doing household chores or caring for older children.
The Health Unit asked new mothers how they have been supported by parents and in-laws. Here is what they said:
“…always came and did my dishes.”
“…never questioned my decision to breastfeed my son.”
“…encouraged me on the days that were challenging.”
“… I felt alone, so my mother-in-law visited with me while I breastfed.”
“… my mom never breastfed herself but wanted me to succeed so she came with me to the Infant Feeding Clinic.”
“…gave me a hug when I needed it.”
In honour of grandparents, the Health Unit is running a contest. Moms and dads are encouraged to email breastfeeding@huroncounty.ca with stories and photos of how their parent(s) influenced the early days of breastfeeding and what they did to help new parents and their grandchild succeed. Contest runs until September 28. The winner will be announced during Canadian Breastfeeding Week (October 1 to 7). Visit huronhealthunit.ca for more information.
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For more information contact:
Our media contact is: Rita Marshall, Communications Coordinator, Huron County Health Unit, 519.482.3416 or toll-free 1.877.837.6143 ext. 2023 or rmarshall@huroncounty.ca
Our spokesperson is: Ashley Furtney, Public Health Nurse. Our media contact will connect you to our spokesperson on this topic.