Horizon seeks to normalize breastfeeding in public places

Horizon launches campaign to normalize breastfeeding in public places, and encourage people to take selfies with images of breastfeeding mothers and share them on social media

This Week, Horizon Health launched a campaign to help normalize breastfeeding in public areas.  They have placed Life-sized cut-out images of local breastfeeding mothers in location in the community, and are asking the public to take part in a social media campaign by sharing pictures of themselves posing next to the image of the breastfeeding mother.

If you see one of these images, take a selfie and share it with the hashtag #breastfeedherenb

The program was launched yesterday at City Hall, and this is one of the fisrt selfies shared on social media in support of the initiative:

From the Horizon Health Website.

Beginning in October, look for life-sized cut out images of local breastfeeding mothers popping up in the Saint John, St. Stephen and Sussex areas, as well as Northumberland County. Members of the public are being asked to take photos (selfies) with the images to share to social media at #BreastfeedHereNB.

Breastfeeding is the biologically normal way to feed a baby. However it is not always considered the social norm. While the majority of women in New Brunswick begin breastfeeding, very few continue to breastfeed for as long as recommended. One barrier for women is not feeling comfortable breastfeeding in public.

All mothers have the right to breastfeed their babies anywhere, anytime. According to the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, no one should ask a mother to stop breastfeeding, move to another place or "cover up". 

Many local businesses and restaurants have already registered as being Breastfeeding Friendly as has the City of Saint John and the Towns of Grand Bay-Westfield, Rothesay and Quispamsis. More support is needed to help make breastfeeding in public a widely accepted practice.

For more information about the Breastfeed Anywhere campaign please call the Saint John Public Health office at 643-6974 or the Miramichi Public Health office at 778-6102.