Breastfeeding encouraged by various municipalities in the southeast of the province

Moncton, September 18, 2017 – Various municipalities in Albert, Kent, and Westmorland counties received a certificate of thanks today from the Public Health Office in Moncton for their participation in the “Breastfeeding Friendly Communities” initiative designed to promote and support breastfeeding in public. 

This initiative was launched to encourage mothers to breastfeed their children for a longer period of time. “Although the breastfeeding rate in the province has been trending upward since 2006, we have noted that 70 percent of New Brunswick mothers do not continue breastfeeding for the recommended six-month period or they discontinue breastfeeding before they reach their initial objective,” explained Nathalie Lirette-Bourque, Public Health Nurse. “The goal is to create welcoming communities that encourage and support breastfeeding so that mothers feel comfortable breastfeeding anywhere and anytime. We want to increase the visibility of breastfeeding in order to normalize this process within the general public,” she added.

The project was well received by Vitalité Health Network. “We look very favourably upon this initiative and are pleased to see that municipalities are helping make it a success,” stated Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO. “This initiative is aligned with the major policy directions pursued in our 2017-2020 strategic plan, which seeks to improve people’s health by increasing health promotion programs in collaboration with community partners,” he continued.

Isabelle Michaud, who has been experiencing anxiety issues since her daughter was born, is thrilled with the initiative.  “My first outing with my daughter was to Café Archibald in Dieppe. When I arrived, I saw a sign at the door indicating that breastfeeding was encouraged.  I felt tremendous relief and my anxiety immediately eased.  Thanks to this simple little sign, I was able to spend a wonderful morning with a close friend while breastfeeding my baby,” Ms. Michaud explained. “I’m sure that I’m not the only mother who feels relieved when a public place shows open support for breastfeeding.” 

By accepting this new policy, municipalities are strongly encouraged to demonstrate their support for breastfeeding. “They can do so by posting the international breastfeeding logo in their facilities and providing mothers who ask with a private space to breastfeed. They can also inform their staff that women’s right to breastfeed their babies anywhere and anytime is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” Ms. Lirette-Bourque explained.

Municipalities that have chosen to adopt this new policy will be added to the Directory of Breastfeeding Friendly Places on the Government of New Brunswick’s website.