World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is being celebrated in Yorkton and area the week of October 1-7, 2018 with the theme “Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life.”
“The theme this year is important in that it highlights not only the long term health benefits for the child, but also looks further to the benefits for the mother and society as a whole” said Heidi Russell, Lactation Consultant for the Saskatchewan Health Authority in Yorkton. “Breastfeeding is a way to secure health, address food security and protect our environment, making it a universal solution to many of today’s problems.”
WBW in Yorkton kicks off with the Quintessence Nursing Challenge on September 29, 2018. This year the challenge is taking place at the Yorkton Family Resource Centre in the SIGN Building on Broadway Avenue from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. All breastfeeding families are welcome and brunch will be provided for those in attendance. The challenge will take place at 11:00 am, with a goal to have the largest number of mothers breastfeeding simultaneously in a set geographical area as a percentage of the birth rate. Yorkton and area has been participating in the challenge for seven years running and hopes to make 2018 the best year yet. More information is available on the “Yorkton Breastfeeding Matters” Facebook group, or by contacting the Early Visiting Program at 306-786-0625 or Lactation Services at 306-786-0886.
Celebrations continue on Tuesday, October 2, as SHA and Inner Cycle Spin Studio partner to host a ride to highlight the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding. The ride will start at 7:30 pm at Inner Cycle Spin Studio at 25 Myrtle Avenue in Yorkton. Participants are encouraged to wear pink to raise awareness that breastfeeding impacts a mother’s long-term health as well, including decreasing her risk for breast cancer. Those interested in participating can register to ride using the MindBody App or by calling 306-621-SPIN. Yorkton Breastfeeding Matters Support Group will also have a special celebration for WBW on Thursday, October 4 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Yorkton Family Resource Center.
