Whereas breastfeeding is one of the first steps to healthy eating and important to the health of infants, children and breastfeeding individuals, decreasing the risk of many common childhood illnesses and playing an important role in addressing chronic diseases like diabetes and some cancers, which are prevalent in our province;
Whereas breastfeeding is a normal, natural way to provide nourishment and healthy bonding for infants and children and should be considered in all communities’ inclusion efforts;
Whereas ‘Through the Space for Everyone – Communities Supporting Breastfeeding’ initiative, municipalities can create an environment that supports breastfeeding families by making the municipality a “Breastfeeding-Friendly Community” by removing barriers around breastfeeding in public spaces where families feel welcome to breastfeed anytime, anywhere; and,
Whereas municipal leadership can spark a positive social change that can impact the health, economics, and environment of community residents and encourage creating a space for everyone;
Therefore Be It Resolved that Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador work with the Baby-Friendly Council of Newfoundland and Labrador and other health-sector partners to promote the adoption of breastfeeding-friendly community practices, including the supporting of breastfeeding at all municipally-owned facilities, accommodating employees and others who are breastfeeding, and otherwise adopting measures recommended by the Council’s new breastfeeding toolkit for municipalities.