Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 13/03) - Iqaluit Breastfeeding is a way to give your child a good start to life. That's the message a group in Iqaluit is promoting.

On Oct. 4 about 20 mothers gathered to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week. The mothers shared stories about experiences they've had feeding their children.

"At one time breastfeeding was discouraged by health professionals and now that's changing," said

Kathy Michael, a community health representative who organized the celebration in Iqaluit.

"It's healthier for the babies."

For some mothers the event was a great way to get out of the house and meet other mothers and celebrate Inuit tradition .

"I don't have a lot of opportunities to meet people," said Madeline Allakariallak.

"My grandmother breastfed her children, my mom breastfed her children and now I'm breastfeeding my children," she said.

Along with being part of the culture, Madeline Adams said that breastfeeding is a lot healthier than baby solutions.

"Breast feeding is a key to a good start in life," she said.

Ed Picco, Minister of Health and Social Services, attended and stressed the importance of breastfeeding.

"The government firmly believes that breastfeeding is the key to a healthy baby," he said.

"Breast is best," he added.

La Leche League Canada has formed a new chapter in Iqaluit to promote the benefits of breastfeeding.

Ronna Kingsley, an organizer of the group, said they will have their first meeting Oct. 16.

"This is a way for mothers to come together and provide support," she said.