Do You Breastfeed? Lindsay News You Can Use!

Breastfeeding Mums Get Nursing Space!

Until December 23, Lindsay Square Mall is hosting a breastfeeding station in their Centre Court. in partnership with the newly formed City of Kawartha Lakes Breastfeeding Coalition.
You might call this a food court for babies.That is one way to describe a new breastfeeding station that has been set up for the holiday season at Lindsay Square Mall. The space includes privacy panels to allow breastfeeding mothers a quiet space to nurse their babies, while taking a break from shopping. The space also has a small play area with toys for younger children can use.

'Having a dedicated place to breastfeed a baby makes it a lot easier for nursing mothers, especially if they are out shopping or running errands at the mall,' says Tracey Westlake, a breastfeeding coalition member and a Family Health Nurse with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. adding,'We’re really pleased the mall is providing this space for breastfeeding mothers in the lead up to the holidays.'

Health Canada recommends women exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life, as breast milk is the best food for optimal growth. Studies show breast milk is best for babies, as it helps to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, asthma, ear and upper respiratory infections, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and certain types of cancer.

'One of the main goals of the Coalition is to increase breastfeeding awareness in the City of Kawartha Lakes,' says Megan Gill-Vanderweilan, the local La Leche League Coordinator.adding By creating breastfeeding-friendly public places, like the one at Lindsay Square, we hope to support and encourage more women to breastfeed their babies.'

Earlier this year the HKPR Health unit participated in a flash mob to get the word out that supporting breastfeeding is everyon’s responsibility. Here is the video of the flash mob event..
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The local Breastfeeding Coalition includes representatives from Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay La Leche League, Ontario Early Years Centre, HKPR District Health Unit, Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes, Midwives of Lindsay, as well as private lactation consultants.
For media inquiries, contact:
Tracey Westlake, Family Health Nurse, HKPR District Health Unit, (705) 324-3569,
or Megan Gill-Vanderweilan, Lindsay La Leche League, (705) 328-2316
Do you or did you breastfeed? Drop us a comment and share your opinions about what you think about the temporary breast feeding area at Lindsay Square Mall.