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By rebecca, September 27, 2009 12:48 am

I like to breastfeed and I like a good challenge. And I really, really like to win. So when I heard about the Global Breastfeeding Challenge taking place next Saturday I was all tell me more.

It turns out that a British Columbia-based non profit called the Quintessence Foundation has been organizing this breastfeeding awareness celebration since 2001. This year there are 234 sites registered to participate worldwide including Toronto.

Toronto Public Health and the Chinese/Vietnamese Breastfeeding Network have  joined forces to organize door prizes, information sessions, lunch and more.

How do you participate? Just go to the Rosedale School of Arts at 711 Bloor Street East (Castle Frank Subway) next Saturday, October 3, 2009. The challenge takes place between 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m but you need to show up early to register between 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Why bother? It’s a fun way to celebrate breastfeeding and to connect with breastfeeding women around the globe, for one. More importantly, though, it’s a chance to be on a winning team. Toronto came in sixth place last year with 199 women feeding 200 babies, but I think we can do better than that! And did I mention the free lunch? And door prizes?

I plan on going and would love some company. If you are interested in joining me please let me know so we can meet up. Or just look for me there.

Of course, you can find out where your closest site is no matter where you live. This is not a Toronto-only event. But if too many of you do that Toronto might not win and I really, really want to win. So maybe spread out, k?

Comments (6)

By rebecca, May 12, 2009 10:53 am

My mother breastfed all four of her children. And her mother before her, and so on. I am incredibly fortunate to have an unbroken tradition of breastfeeding in my family; and the support and understanding that comes with that tradition. Why, then, am I the first woman in my family to feel comfortable feeding my baby in public? To feed my baby at a cafe or a mall, on a bench or on some steps — wherever I am when my baby is hungry? Why did my mother duck into public bathroom stalls (can you imagine?!?) to breastfeed her babies? And what has happened since? Continue reading 'Public Breastfeeding: Sex, Breasts, and Facebook'»

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By rebecca, March 25, 2009 11:00 am

DAILY SNACK

Lunch with a five month old:

She eagerly latches on, fingernails digging into skin, feet kicking. She takes two gulps, pulls off, and whips her head around. Back at the breast for 15 seconds this time and what’s that sound? Another pull from the ol’ nipple and who’s that over there? This time I’m holding her head steady while she grunts and strains and still escapes her feed. Finally, door closed, blinds drawn, and big brother placated by the t.v. she settles down to business.