A dozen moms and 14 children took part in the Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge in Langley today at the Willoughby Early Years Centre at Willoughby Elementary School in Langley Township today.
At 11 a.m. precisely the babies latched on to their moms, part of a bid to set a world record for the number of simultaneous breastfeedings.
The event is sponsored by the non-profit Quintessence Foundation to promote the health benefits of breastfeeding children and to recognize breast milk donors.
The Langley challenge was also an opportunity to recognize women who donate their breast milk to help other moms.
“I always have more than enough,” said Ruby VanDelft, an Aldergrove resident (pictured with son Russell)
“I just didn’t want my milk to go to waste (and) it’s wonderful to help out people in need.”
This year, Langley donors have contributed 140,000 milliliters of breast milk that is pasteurized and frozen for use by babies whose mothers are unable to breastfeed.
The breastfeeding challenge started in B.C. in 2001 with 856 children at 21 sites.
By last year, there were 4,016 children in seven countries and 161 sites.
The Quintessence Foundation estimates in Canada, 89 per cent of mothers start breastfeeding but by six months the number has fallen to 26 per cent, the result of “lack of acceptance and community support.”
For more, visit the Quintessence Foundation website at: http://www.babyfriendly.ca/challenge-home.aspx
