Nice of the Canadian government to put their money where the (baby's) mouth is. In a bid to boost breastfeeding numbers in Ontario, Health Minister Deb Matthews is throwing $2.5 million at the cause.
“We know that we can get more women doing what we want them to do—breastfeeding—if we provide the right supports for them,” said Matthews.
Even though the majority of moms want and plan to breastfeed, only 60 per cent are still nursing after they leave the hospital and after six months, that number drops to a mere 28 per cent.
According to an article in the Toronto Star, the provincial initiative will include a 24-hour hotline to help new moms deal with the challenges of breastfeeding. The round-the-clock service is vital, since many moms struggle in the wee hours with no one to turn to for advice.
The plan will also target demographics with the lowest rates of breastfeeding.
Given the proven benefits of breastfeeding—and the fact that many challenges can be resolved with the right support—the new plan sounds like money well spent. Hats off to Matthews for making it happen.
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