Breastfeeding committee seeks new members
The National Breastfeeding Committee is seeking three new members to join its team.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health said the committee, which promotes and supports breastfeeding in Bermuda, comprises seven members from various sectors, but lacks “an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, a community partner and a representative from La Leche League”.
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants and representatives from La Leche League care for and support breastfeeding mothers.
The spokeswoman said: “Prospective members should have relevant expertise, a genuine commitment to the committee’s objectives and the ability to serve as a strong representative of their respective sectors.
“This balance ensures that our work remains both professional and community-driven.”
The appeal for new committee members, who can apply between January and March, came at the end of National Breastfeeding Month, which centred on the theme “baby-friendly workplaces” this year.
The spokeswoman said: “Observing National Breastfeeding Month highlights the importance of breastfeeding for both infant and maternal health, promotes support for breastfeeding mothers and raises public awareness about best practices.”
The Department of Health shared various tips — including how long breast milk can be stored at certain temperatures, myths about breastfeeding and its benefits for mothers and babies — on social media and the Bermuda HealthAbets podcast, which featured two episodes about breastfeeding last month.
The spokeswoman said: “These resources were designed to spark conversations about how employers can better support breastfeeding mothers.”
To infants:
Strengthens immunity
Supports brain development
Reduces risk of infections and allergies
To mothers:
Faster postpartum recovery
Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers
Supports bonding and mental wellness
The ministry’s Breastfeeding Friendly Designation Campaign recognises businesses that provide a welcoming environment to mothers that choose to breastfeed.
Gov.bm/breastfeeding lists nine businesses — Rustico Restaurant and Pizzeria, Brew, Cottage Café and Bistro, Latte’s, Pickled Onion, La Trattoria, the Botanist Café and Garden Lounge, Rock Island Coffee and Treehouse — as breastfeeding-friendly as of yesterday.
The ministry encouraged more businesses to participate in the campaign.
They can also show support by displaying “Breastfeeding Welcomed Here” signs, providing clean and comfortable spaces for mothers to feed and offering flexible schedules and breaks to accommodate nursing needs.
Businesses who wish to participate in the campaign must complete an application via forms.office.com.
• For more about the Breastfeeding Friendly Designation Campaign, see Related Media
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