Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 16/00) - Rankin Inlet students were paid an informative visit by midwife Rachel Munday to mark Oct. 1-7 as National Breastfeeding Week.

Munday says the aim of her visit was to promote and educate about breastfeeding.

Munday and fellow health centre worker Diane Tiktak visited Grade 9 students at Alaittuq High.

"We showed the students a short video on breastfeeding and how a new born baby is well equipped to breatfeed," says Munday.

Much of the talk about breastfeeding centred on the fact breast milk is recognized as the best choice of sustenance for babies.

Munday says breast milk constituents actually help provide babies with protection from illness.

"Breast milk contains exactly the right amount of fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, iron and antibodies."

Munday also pointed out to the students that breastfeeding is healthier for the mother and is reputed in many circles to decrease the instances of breast cancer.

She says part of a midwife's job is to take the time to get out into the community and promote breastfeeding.

"If you're trying to promote healthy practices in the community, you don't just talk to the pregnant mothers.

"You talk to the whole community, including the kids."

Munday says some people think it's strange when they first notice that boys are also included in the sessions.

But, she says, it's important for everyone to understand the advantages of breastfeeding.

"Some of them (boys) do get quite giggly at times, but, on average, they actually tend to ask more questions."

Munday and Tiktak use different teaching aids when they're able to visit the hamlet's younger students.

She says it's important younger children receive the message about breastfeeding at a level they're comfortable with and can understand.

"A book, Breast Milk Makes my Tummy Yummy, is used for kids up to Grade 2 and another book, Mommy Breast Feeds our Baby, is used for kids up to Grade 4."