Breastfeeding week is celebrated in Canada from October 1^st to October 7^th, 2017. This year’s theme “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together” highlights that a team effort is needed for the success of breastfeeding. To encourage mothers by showing them that public establishments support and are committed to protecting their right to breastfeed anytime, anywhere, staff at businesses in Blackville are proudly wearing Breastfeeding Anytime Anywhere buttons to show their support. Businesses involved include Blackville Circle K, Blackville Credit Union, Blackville Home Building Supplies, Blackville Foodland, Blackville Health Centre, Blackville Pharmasave, Blackville RCMP, Hooked ‘n Cooked, MacRae Insurance, Pai Can Recyclers and Trio Pizza.

The Regional Baby Friendly Initiative Committee invites you to complete the Breastfeeding Crossword Puzzle during breastfeeding week for the chance to win a prize. Click the link below to download. Completed puzzles can be sent via email to or dropped off to Public Health at 1780 Water Street, Suite 300 in Miramichi.

Breastfeeding Crossword Puzzle

Don’t have a printer? Copies of the puzzle are available at the Community Events bulletin board beside Blackville Irving and at the Blackville Post Office bulletin board.

Why is Breastfeeding important?
Breastfeeding is recognized as the best source of nutrition for most infants. Mothers produce breast milk that is unique and made specifically for their own baby. It provides all the nutrition that they need to grow and develop adequately. It is recommended to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, and to continue until 2 years and beyond along with age appropriate foods. Research clearly indicates that breastfeeding provides many health benefits for babies and their mothers.

How can I support breastfeeding mothers and their babies?
As with learning anything new, challenges can arise. Breastfeeding is no exception. It takes time, practice and support.

This year’s theme reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating a supportive environment, where breastfeeding mothers feel comfortable to breastfeed anywhere at anytime. Important team members can include spouses, family members, friends, communities, recreation facilities, healthcare clinics, hospitals, Public Health, employers, businesses and city councils.

Together, team members provide information to boost mothers’ confidence, protect them against critics, give reassurance, create breastfeeding friendly spaces, adopt breastfeeding friendly policies and lend a hand to help breastfeeding mothers succeed.

During breastfeeding week, take the opportunity to learn more about breastfeeding and the effects it has on our children’s health. Your support and acceptance for breastfeeding families is very important to help give a child the best start possible in life. Let’s work together to help mothers and their children have a positive breastfeeding experience, not just this week, but all year round.

By: Chanelle Melanson, Regional Baby Friendly Initiative Committee