KFL&A Public Health launches Breastfeeding in Public campaign
In an attempt to normalize and promote social acceptance of breast feeding “anytime, anywhere,” Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health and its community partners are launching a new campaign.
The ‘Breastfeeding in Public’ campaign will feature life-sized cut out images of local moms breast feeding, which will be displayed at local organizations throughout the KFL&A region. The idea is for more people to join the campaign to normalize breastfeeding in public, and Public Health suggests taking a photo with one of the ‘breastfeeding mom’ cut outs, or that moms take photos of themselves breastfeeding, and share them on social media.
“Almost 90 per cent of new mothers in KFL&A initiate breastfeeding, but some do not meet their breastfeeding goals simply because they feel restricted or awkward breastfeeding in public,” said Melissa Demers, a registered nurse with KFL&A Public Health.
“Research suggests women who feel comfortable breastfeeding anywhere, anytime will breastfeed their babies longer, supporting optimal health of the infant, mother, family, and community.”
Health Canada promotes breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, and sustained for up to two years or longer with appropriate complementary feeding. According to KFL&A Public Health, by following these recommendations, infants will be protected from illness and infections, as well as have the best nutrition possible for healthy growth and development.
The cut outs will be located at the following sites in Kingston:
- City Hall
- Queen’s Athletic and Recreation Centre (ARC)
- St. Lawrence College
- Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC)
- Kingston Frontenac Public Library – Isabel Turner and Central branches
- Artillery Park
- Invista Centre
- Rideua Heights Community Centre
- Kingston YMCA
- The Grand Theatre
- Kingston Community Health Centre (KCHC)
The cut outs will additionally be located at:
- Napanee Community Health Centre
- KFL&A Public Health Napanee site
- L&A Public Library – Napanee and Amherstview sites
- Grace Centre in Sydenham
- Lakelands Family Health Team – Northbrook and Denbigh locations
Additionally, the campaign will participate in some upcoming events, including six Kingston Frontenacs home games, Culture Days at the Tett Centre, and Home Coming at Richardson Stadium.
To find out more about the campaign and it will be involved in local events, be sure to follow KFL&A Public Health on Facebook or Twitter. Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding and find some helpful guides from KFL&A Public Health here.
