SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), alongside regional community partners, is proud to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week from October 1 to 7.

This annual event highlights the health benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and parents. This year’s theme is Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems emphasizing the role that breastfeeding plays in building a healthier planet while reducing environmental impacts. To mark this occasion, residents are invited to attend local flag raising events across Simcoe and Muskoka, an opportunity to learn more, show support, and connect with helpful resources (schedule included below).

Breastfeeding provides all the nutrients an infant needs for the first six months of their life and is recommended for two years and beyond by Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Paediatric Society. Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful ways to support a child’s health and development. It helps build a strong immune system, lowers the chances of chronic diseases, and improves overall well-being throughout life. For parents who breastfeed, it also offers health benefits by reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as Type 2 diabetes.

Successful breastfeeding depends on support from everyone! Families, communities, workplaces, and leaders all play a role in creating spaces where parents feel confident and encouraged. Support can come in many forms: loved ones offering praise, communities making breastfeeding in public normal, employers providing time and space for nursing, and local leaders creating and sustaining helpful policies. When people work together, breastfeeding becomes easier and more accessible for all families.

The health unit offers free prenatal education—both in-person, virtually facilitated and online. Parents who are providing breastmilk are also welcome to join the health unit’s free Breastfeeding Support Groups.  Led by public health nurses, these groups offer guidance on infant feeding, sleep, development, and parenting, while also creating a welcoming space to share experiences and connect with other new parents.

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

Schedule for National Breastfeeding Week Flag Raising Events:

Wednesday Oct. 1

• Township of Severn at 8:30 a.m.
• Town of Innisfil at 9 a.m.
• Town of Midland at 9 a.m.
• Tay Township at 10:30 a.m.
• Tiny Township at 11:15 a.m.
• Town of New Tecumseth at noon
• City of Barrie at 3 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 2

• Town of Penetanguishene at 9:30 a.m.
• Town of Huntsville at 11:00 a.m.
• Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury at 3 p.m.

Friday Oct. 3

• Town of Collingwood at 4 p.m.

Mon. Oct. 6

• City of Orillia at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 7

• Town of Gravenhurst at 9:30 a.m.
• Town of Bracebridge at 2 p.m.