The Sudbury Breastfeeding network invites all breastfeeding mothers and their friends and families to participate in this year's Breastfeeding Challenge. Mothers and their babies, at sites across Canada, the US and other countries, will compete to set the record for the most babies breastfeeding at one time.
This year's challenge will be held at the Parkside Centre (YMCA) on Durham St., this Saturday, Sept. 29, at 11 am.
"Two of the biggest hurdles for mothers who are breastfeeding continue to be lack of support and being made to feel insignificant by the community," said Brigitte Meilleur, co-chair of the Sudbury Breastfeeding Network.
"This event helps to 'normalize' breastfeeding in public and to rally everyone together for a common goal. Our community needs to see that breastfeeding is just eating in public."
Breastfeeding has many well-documented benefits, including better health for both mothers and babies. This event takes place as part of the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week in Canada. It is sponsored by the Quintessence Foundation, a non-profit group providing education to parents and professionals about breastfeeding.
Prior to the challenge, the network will be hosting a brief reception starting at 10:30 am with the reading of a proclamation at Memorial Park. At 10:45 am, mothers and their babies will head to the Parkside Centre for the challenge. The event will finish in time for participants to walk in the Week of the Child's Family Fun Day children's parade to Market Square.
Those who wish to participate in the challenge are asked to call 522-9200, ext. 427 to pre-register.
