Thursday October 2, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
National Breastfeeding Week is October 1 to 7 in Canada.
Midwives and public health nurses support mothers with breastfeeding for their infant’s healthy start in life.
Canadian Breastfeeding Week is observed during the 40th week of the year, typically in October. This timing reflects the first week of a baby’s life when breastfeeding often starts. The 10th month of the year symbolically marks the beginning of this important journey for many families with the arrival and support of a new member of the family.
Breast milk is considered to be the ideal food for all babies, supported by the use of infant formula where needed.
The World Health Organization and Health Canada recommend exclusive breastfeeding for infants in the first six months of life.
Supports for new moms:
Public health nurses offer support to all pregnant people and new parents, their babies, children and families. People may call or visit a public health unit for an infant feeding assessment and breastfeeding support.
“Having a new baby is an overwhelming time,” says Hayley Classen, a public health nurse in Island Health. “Knowing there is someone there to listen and walk alongside them while they learn about their new role as a parent can take away some of the pressure and worry.”
“It’s a game changer to have a support network. Our western world has made it normal for families to live in isolation, but it can have a major positive impact on infant feeding, the parent’s mental health and our overall population health to offer wrap-around support from pre-conception and on,” says Classen.
Many young mothers carry on with their regular adult lives with baby in tow, breastfeeding discretely during their busy days.
Programs and support:
Midwifery services are covered in BC for up to six weeks post partum.
All pregnant women may register for Right From the Start, for early access to a public health nurse throughout the prenatal journey.
Also see these Island Health pages: Infant Feeding & Nutrition | Island Health – Public health units
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NEWS SECTIONS: NUTRITION | ISLAND HEALTH | PREGNANCY & MIDWIFERY