Newfoundland
Breastfeeding Rates Steadily ClimbingNewfoundland
Breastfeeding Rates Steadily ClimbingMore visibility, more media attention, more support, changing hospital practices have all contributed to the rise in breastfeeding rates in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 1984 only 33 per cent of women initiated breastfeeding in the province. Over the following eight years, breastfeeding rates rose very gradually and by 1992, the rate was 39%. Beginning in 1992 breastfeeding activists, consumers, health professionals from hospitals and the Department of Health came together to form the provincial Breastfeeding Promotion Coalition. A coordinated effort began to promote breastfeeding through extensive use of the media especially around World Breastfeeding Week. At the same time Newfoundland saw an increase in breastfeeding support training for both community health care workers and hospital maternity services. Currently the Coalition, whose primary goal is to create a "breastfeeding culture", has over 50 members from across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Improved hospital practices has been another result of the Coalition. Both the Grace Hospital in St John's and the Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Cornerbrook must be commended for the supportive policies and practices they have put in place. There is now more inservice training, more rooming-in, premature infants are being fed breastmilk and supplements using syringes instead of bottles.
What are the results? The breastfeeding initiation rate for 1994 is now up to 45%!