Breastfeeding Support: A Call to Our Government
Press conference and Rally December 3rd at 10 am
Toronto ON Canada,
Queen's Park, Ontario Provincial Legislative Assembly


"Breast is Best". That's what they tell us, yet what is our government doing to provide the best start in life to it's newest citizens?

Right now in Toronto, The Newman Breastfeeding Clinic & Institute, considered a world leader in breastfeeding education research and support, is pleading for donations. Because with out new funding, the Clinic is in serious danger of closing down. NBCI helps over 2500 mothers every year, and is place of last resort for mothers who aren't able to find help from other clinics or from private lactation consultants, doctors, or public health nurses.

Though hundreds of people have written our Government in the past, voicing their concerns over the lack of support available to breastfeeding mothers, their letters have been answered with empty words and even emptier promises. In September of this year we wrote a letter to the Government of Ontario telling them that their so called “support” is seriously lacking and asking them what initiatives are being developed by the Ministry of Health to address breastfeeding support and education and also, the time lines for those initiatives to be implemented. We asked everyone to please send a copy of this letter to their local MP, and to the Minister of Health.

...and those letters are working!

We have organized a quiet Breastfeeding Rally at Queen's Park For December 3rd. We are working with and have the support of the NDP party. NDP Member France Gelinas has organized a press conference that day at 10am, followed by the Question period in Parliament at 10:30 am where Ms Gelinas will call for a provincial breastfeeding strategy and encouraging the government to support hospitals going baby friendly. It is during this Question period that the Nurse-In will take place in the Viewing Gallery. Please note: This Rally is a quiet show of support, as formal protests are not allowed within the buildings, so we ask that no one bring signs, placards or banners. We are hoping to fill the viewing gallery and NEED a huge turn out, so Please spread the word- this is an opportunity to make history!!! And if you are planning on coming to the GTA to do some Holiday shopping....you may want to consider the first week of December!!

Please RSVP to Helen or Dani by December 1st, as spaces in the viewing gallery are limited and the NDP are asking anyone wishing to participate to add their names to the list of guests as they will have to go to the security desk to give their names in order to get in.

For a copy of the original letter to our Government, and updates on our progress, please go to:

www.naturalmothering.ca

or contact:

dani@naturalmothering.ca
or
helen@naturalmothering.ca