SIMCOE MUSKOKA – National Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from Oct. 1 to 7, highlighting the benefits breastfeeding provides to babies and families. To mark the week, municipalities across Simcoe Muskoka will proclaim National Breastfeeding Week and hold flag-raising events. Together with municipal partners, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) invites residents to attend and recognize the community partnerships that help give infants a healthy start in life.

This year’s theme, “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.

Families are more likely to meet their infant-feeding goals when they feel supported by the people around them. Family members and friends can offer encouragement and practical help, while communities can create welcoming spaces for breastfeeding. Employers can provide time and space for breastfeeding or expressing milk, and health-care providers and local leaders can improve access to services and supportive policies.

The health unit offers free prenatal education, including in-person, live virtual and self-guided online options, as well as free Breastfeeding Support Groups, where public health nurses are available to answer questions. These programs also provide opportunities for parents to connect with others, share experiences and learn from one another.

For information about breastfeeding and local services and support, visit smdhu.org/breastfeeding.

National Breastfeeding Week flag-raising events

Thursday, Oct. 1      

• 9:30 a.m. – Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, 471 Park Ave., Bradford
• 11 a.m. – Town of Collingwood, 55 Ste. Marie St., Collingwood
• 11 a.m. – Town of Huntsville, 37 Main St. E., Huntsville
• 11 a.m. – Town of Innisfil, 2101 Innisfil Beach R., Innisfil
• Noon – Town of New Tecumseth, 24 Tupper St. W., Alliston
• 2 p.m. – Township of Muskoka Lakes, 1 Bailey St., Port Carling
• 2:30 p.m. – Township of Tiny, 130 Balm Beach Rd. W., Tiny
• 4 p.m. – Town of Penetanguishene, 10 Robert St. W., Penetanguishene

Friday, Oct. 2

• 9:30 a.m. – Township of Tay, 450 Park St., Victoria Harbour
• 10 a.m. – Town of Bracebridge, 1000 Taylor Ct., Bracebridge
• 10 a.m. – City of Barrie, 70 Collier St., Barrie
• 10:30 a.m. – Town of Midland, 575 Dominion Ave., Midland

Monday, Oct. 5

• 8:30 a.m. – City of Orillia, 1 West St. N., Orillia
• 10 a.m. – Town of Gravenhurst, 3-5 Pineridge Gate, Gravenhurst
• 1 p.m. – Township of Lake of Bays, 1012 Dwight Beach Rd., Dwight

Wednesday, Oct. 7

• 8:30 a.m. – Township of Severn, 1024 Hurlwood Lane., Severn
• 5:45 p.m. – Essa Township, 5786 County Road 21, Utopia