National Breastfeeding week was celebrated earlier this month at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow.
This year's theme was Empower Parents, Empower Breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding week aims to raise awareness of the health and wellbeing outcomes of breastfeeding and the importance of supporting mothers to breastfeed for as long as they wish.
The Aberdeen is one of 25 hospitals in Canada selected to participate in the National Baby Friendly Initiative Quality Improvement Project. BFI designation means evidence-based care supporting the informed choices of women and families.
As in other years, the Aberdeen Hospital celebrated by providing packages with homemade baby quilts as well as baby items to take home. About 90 per cent of mothers delivering their babies at the Aberdeen Hospital plan to breastfeed.
One of the ways staff at the Aberdeen supports breastfeeding is by supporting and protecting the very sensitive first hour or so – the "Golden Hour" of baby's life. This starts with skin to skin.
Skin to skin is encouraged for all babies to prevent infection and decrease stress. It also promotes bonding and breastfeeding.
