Observance Of World Breastfeeding Week

Good morning,

Thank you for joining me today as the Department of Health, Bermuda Hospitals Board and La Leche League collectively launch the annual observance of World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from August 6th to 12th.

This year the focus in the Department of Health is “Creating a Culture of Support,” which highlights the fact that it takes awareness and encouragement from many different areas to create an environment that protects, promotes and supports a mother’s decision to breastfeed.

From the delivery room environment, to the family home, the community and the workplace, individuals in all of these areas contribute to creating a culture of support for breastfeeding.

It should be noted that our Community Health Nurses and Health Visitors contribute greatly to the support for new mothers, and for that I wish to thank them.

In addition to the ongoing services provided by these professionals, for World Breastfeeding Week, the Department of Health has partnered with Ms. Melony Kendell, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Melony Kendell, who will address you momentarily, will be offering, by appointment, free lactation consultations.

These private, one-on-one lactation consultations will take place at the Hamilton Health Center, located on 67 Victoria Street, from Tuesday, August 7th to Thursday, August 9th.

Appointments should be made by calling Melony directly at 541-6455 or by emailing melony.kendell@gmail.com.

In the community, breastfeeding support organizations like La Leche League contribute to the body of sound breastfeeding knowledge and help to create a culture of support.

Therefore, the Department of Health would like to salute the Bermuda chapter of this worldwide champion of breastfeeding for 25 years of service to families on the island.

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the incidence of childhood and adult obesity, as well as diabetes, and is therefore a key weapon in the battle against these serious health threats which plague our island at alarming rates.

This week we encourage families – particularly fathers and grandparents – to express their support and appreciation to the mothers in their lives who have made the healthy decision to breastfeed.

Support them with positive words, helpful actions and encouraging attitudes.

Thank You.

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