World Breastfeeding Week
The CIUSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal is joining the international community in focussing on the environment and climate change. We will showcase our role in supporting breastfeeding as a means of creating a sustainable environment while reducing the environmental concerns associated with formula feeding.
Breast milk is a natural, renewable resource that leaves no environmental footprint. Not only is it produced and delivered without pollution, packaging or waste, it is also a sustainable solution that is good for the planet and its inhabitants. Prioritizing and supporting breastfeeding will reduce the growing environmental impact of infant formula supply chains. Informed decision-making is central to family-centred care. Families must to get the information they need to make decisions about feeding their infant before birth and as needed.
However, breastfeeding can be challenging when parents are not fully supported. By connecting the actors working at different levels, a synergistic effort to support the parents is established.
Continuing education is essential to better meet families' breastfeeding needs and improve care for mothers and babies. This training must adopt a comprehensive and interprofessional approach, involving shared responsibility among the various stakeholders. However, changing practices does not rely solely on training: it also requires the implementation of evidence-based policies, accompanied by varied educational strategies and clinical support in our hospitals, CLSCs, and birth centers.