Decline in Breastfeeding Rates Noted in Windsor-Essex

Breastfeeding rates in Windsor-Essex have dropped to a 10-year low and are well below the average for Ontario.

Data from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit shows that only 35.7 per cent of infants were exclusively breastfed before being discharged from the hospital or within the first three days after a home birth. In contrast, the Ontario average is 46.8 per cent.

Back in 2012, 61.2 per cent of infants were exclusively breastfed before leaving the hospital.

Registered Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist Jennifer Jacob pointed out that falling breastfeeding rates combined with rising costs for infant formula increase food insecurity risks for local babies.

“We’re hoping to lend more energy to it this year, considering that food insecurity has become a priority and breastfeeding, we know, is the most effective way to ensure food security at the population level,” said Jacob.

This year, the health unit plans to conduct a survey aimed at understanding why some mothers opt not to breastfeed.

Mothers giving birth in Windsor-Essex can expect outreach from the health unit about six months after delivery. They’ll be asked about their experiences and any challenges they faced if they tried to breastfeed.

“Lactation consultant support that’s free of charge is very limited in Windsor-Essex currently; we’re hoping to close that gap,” said Jacob. “I think there’s also important work we can establish with our hospitals to ensure that we are doing everything we can for those who wish to breastfeed, particularly those who are low-income and have barriers to accessing infant formula. We want them to have every support put in place, starting prenatally with referrals to our [Healthy Babies Health Children] program for education around breastfeeding and in hospital that they have the support that they require there.”

The health unit aims to boost breastfeeding rates in the region by 2030.

Jacob mentioned other advantages of breastfeeding include a lower risk of infection for infants and reduced cancer risk for mothers.

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