Campaign launched on the normalcy of breastfeeding

The North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit has launched a campaign during National Breastfeeding Week to highlight the “normalcy” of breastfeeding in public.

It’s called “Normalize It.”

You can see several several cut outs in the community of moms and their babies.

One features Natalie LeClaire and her son Evan.

She says breastfeeding is a normal thing and it’s important to relay that message to the public.

“It’s important that we get the message out. People might feel that it’s normal but until we make it clear that it is normal people might have reservations,” she says.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Chirico says the campaign sends a message to everyone including women who plan on having babies in the future that breastfeeding in public is normal.

He says there are emotional and physical benefits to mom and baby in breastfeeding.

“The emotional benefits are that mom and baby bond very quickly. There’s that connection of skin to skin support and the emotional support that you’re nursing your child,” he says.

Physically, he says the babies will have less allergies, ear infections and respiratory and digestive problems and mom’s health will benefit too.

Dr. Chirico says they’re handing out stickers in support of the program that their business or home is a breastfeeding friendly space.

(Photos by station staff)