October 7, 2009

BREASTFEEDING CHALLENGE AND SUPPORT FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS

J. Kwan: The sight of a baby usually brings a warm smile from members of the public. We can’t help ourselves. When we see a little baby, we go ga-ga and goo-goo, even

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though everyone knows they often look like wrinkled little monkeys — yes, my children included. But still, when you see a new baby, it’s a beautiful sight.

You know what I’m talking about, Mr. Speaker. You yourself are enjoying your second grandchild. The slightest mention of them, and your face lights up. See what I mean? [Laughter.]

On October 3 proud moms and dads gathered together with their babies at the Trout Lake Community Centre to celebrate in the world breastfeeding challenge. This international event began in 2001, and by last year there were over 7,600 children feeding in 19 countries at 300 sites with over 20,000 supporters at 11 o’clock. On last Saturday when I arrived at the Trout Lake Community Centre, I received a sticker, and it read: "I make milk. What’s your superpower?”

Breast milk contains close to 200 compounds that fight infection, help the immune system mature, aid in digestion and support brain growth. Breastfeeding helps to lower the risk of premenopausal breast cancer, not to mention the incredible feeling of hugging your baby close to your heart while you’re nursing — the ultimate bonding experience.

The WHO recommends that mothers nurse their babies until they’re two years old. So why do we still hear of stories of roadblocks and obstacles for nursing mothers? Last year a woman in Vancouver was hustled off to a back room at H&M when she was breastfeeding her two-month-old baby in the store.

In Minneapolis a woman returning from a two-day business trip was forced to pour out her two-day supply of milk by the airport security. I myself was not allowed on a flight to Kamloops for an all-day caucus meeting because I had my breast pump and these specialized ice packs with me. Due to the Minneapolis incident, a human rights complaint was filed, and the U.S. Transport Security Administration reclassified human milk as liquid medication. Indeed, breast milk is like liquid gold to a nursing mom.

Let’s break through the barriers. Let’s celebrate the magic of breastfeeding, and let’s just do what the old Madonna song says: "Express yourself.”