World Breastfeeding Week will be celebrated at the Montréal West Island CIUSSS from October 3 to 7 with the theme Educate and Support. A number of family activities have been organized, including the Online Breastfeeding Challengeand the Skin-to-Skin Challenge, which will take place at all of our birthing centres and the Maison de naissances on October 1 at 11:00 a.m. In addition, starting October 3, you are invited to take part in our Facebook contest by answering a few simple questions on breastfeeding. There are a variety of prizes up for grabs: a gift basket of products made with honey collected from our hives, free pelvic floor consultations with physiotherapists, and two spa packages.
The Montréal West Island CIUSSS is the largest birthing centre in Québec and is proud of that several of its facilities are certified by the Baby-Friendly Initiative. This initiative aims to create healthcare settings where breastfeeding is the norm. Its goal is to ensure that each child has the best start in life.
Maternal breastfeeding involves a number of challenges and it’s a team effort. That’s why several nurses and lactation consultants are there to support mothers every day. Our philosophy is centred around the needs of family or the newborn.
We tip our hat to all of the healthcare workers in the birthing continuum who remain committed and implement the strategies that are needed in order to provide an environment that encourages and supports maternal breastfeeding. Thousands of babies and mothers thank you each year!