October 9, 2013
2013 Theme: "Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers"
As Minister of Health, I am pleased to mark World Breastfeeding Week in Canada. This year's theme, "Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers," highlights the message that a healthy start in life requires a close and secure attachment between mothers and their newborn babies.
It is widely recognized that breastfeeding is important for the nutrition, growth, and development of infants and toddlers. While most babies in Canada are breastfed, statistics show a sharp decline in breastfeeding rates after the first few weeks or months post-birth.
All of us play an important role in supporting mothers and children to breastfeed, including family, friends, health workers and community leaders. When a mother feels supported, she is more likely to feel confident with her choice to breastfeed.
Communities and workplaces can support breastfeeding mothers in a number of ways through awareness activities to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, and by providing support for mothers to breastfeed in public places. All of us can offer encouragement so mothers feel supported to continue breastfeeding, anytime, anywhere.
It is also important to respect the needs of mothers who may choose not to breastfeed. All mothers have the right to feel valued regardless of how they decide to feed their baby.
During World Breastfeeding Week in Canada, let's all support mothers in our families, workplaces, and communities.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
