THUNDER BAY -- A local group is teaming up with the district health unit to help businesses make things easier for mothers of young children.
The Thunder Bay Breastfeeding Coalition and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit are working to help businesses earn a “baby-friendly” designation.
Brynne Noyle, chair of the coalition, said there are certain criteria required to earn the reputation.
“There have to have areas for moms to breastfeed and promote breastfeeding,” Noyle said.
“I feel like there’s a big increase in the awareness of breastfeeding in Thunder Bay,” she said.
The organization has been working to increase public awareness of breastfeeding, appearing at events such as the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Murillo Fair and the Westfort Street Fair.
The coalition is also working towards a sculpture project that would be displayed in the maternity centre at the hospital.
Through encouraging women to not hide from breastfeeding their children in public they are hoping to spread word of the benefits of natural feeding.
The benefits include better health for the baby.
“The milk that is made is made for the baby. Every mom’s milk is different and it has all the nutrients for the baby to grow,” Noyle said.
Sabrina Ree, the group’s treasurer, said breastfeeding also helps develop a special bond between the baby and mother.
“We want a mom to breastfeed for a minimum of six months and to two years and beyond,” she said.
“My message to mothers who are having difficulty breastfeeding is to not give up.”
