Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

The Breastfeeding Research Working Group (BFRWG) of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is a group of experienced medical, nursing, and research people from the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University, the NL Provincial Perinatal Program (NLPPP), the NL Centre for Health Information (NLCHI) and the NL Provincial Breastfeeding Coalition. At present, this team is working on a large three-part study that is looking at why women breastfeed (BF) their babies for ways to increase BF rates in NL since we fall far below the Canadian average. Breastfeeding is known to be 'best for baby', has short-term (protects against diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, ear infections, meningitis, and urinary tract infections in infants and young children) and long-term benefits (protects against chronic illnesses, such as obesity and Type I and Type II diabetes) and is known to have extended long-term effects by reducing health care costs. This is locally significant since NL reports some of the highest rates of all three chronic conditions, and reports the lowest rates of initiation and duration rates of BF, both nationally and internationally. Programs to support a 'baby-friendly' atmosphere in hospitals and throughout community programs can improve breastfeeding rates. More importantly, interventions to support expectant and new mothers in the area of infant feeding are central to improving the health of both mother and child. This current application for funding for a Cafe Scientifique in Corner Brook, NL is being submitted as a follow-up to one that was held in St. John's, NL on November 24, 2010 on this very important topic. Of course, the audience of interest is expectant and new/experienced mothers and fathers and all interested members of the public.