Boosting low breastfeeding rate aim of new booklet

Two national agencies have come together to produce a booklet they hope will promote breastfeeding on P.E.I., where the rate is well below the national average.

The booklet is a joint project of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada.It outlines nine strategies communities can use, such as creating breastfeeding-friendly public areas and support groups.

Recent statistics show only 73 per cent of mothers on P.E.I. breastfeed their babies, which is 14 per cent below the national average.

"Starting the conversation is one of the most important things," said Diane Boswall, a clinical nurse specialist in Community Health on the Island.

"This workbook, I think it provides some real life best-practice strategies and valuable resources for women and their families. It also provides good resources for healthcare workers, as well, to help promote breastfeeding."

Boswall said the booklet has been passed out to nursing and community offices on P.E.I.