Council proclaims October 1 to 7 as National Breastfeeding Week in Severn

National Breastfeeding Week proclamation

WHEREAS, Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond provides unique nutritional and non-nutritional long-term benefits for an infant’s growth and development; and

WHEREAS, The World Health Organization’s Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding calls on governments worldwide to create environments that enable mothers, families and other caregivers to make informed choices about feeding practices for infants and young children; and

WHEREAS, Breastfeeding is a human right and the Ontario Human Rights Code protects a woman’s right to breastfeed in a public area without discrimination; and

WHEREAS, October 1st to October 7th is recognized as National Breastfeeding Week – an initiative to raise awareness of the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, to strengthen individual, family, and community support for breastfeeding, and to further strategies that promote breastfeeding practices; and

WHEREAS, The global theme for 2026 is “Strengthen What Works: Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life,” encourages communities to build on successful breastfeeding initiatives and strengthen support for families. The 2026 campaign highlights the benefits of breastfeeding, including healthy infant growth and development, improved nutrition, stronger food security, and reduced poverty. Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods for up to two years and beyond.

THEREFORE, I, Mayor Mike Burkett, do hereby proclaim the week of October 1 to 7, 2026 as “National Breastfeeding Week” in the Township of Severn.