THUNDER BAY -- An organizer counted down from three and a room full of local mothers gathered at the waterfront all began breastfeeding at once.
About 50 local women "latched on" at the same time as an entire movement across Canada. Raising awareness about the importance of breast milk for infants is twinned with changing attitudes toward women breast feeding in public.
In 2014, the 58 local mothers who participated in the event rivalled the turnout in Vancouver.
"It's becoming more and more socially accepted as opposed to two years ago when I was breastfeeding my daughter," said Thunder Bay breastfeeding treasurer Sabrina Ree.
"I was getting looks in the mall like, 'oh my God, cover up.' You don't eat under a blanket so why should your baby? This is the best form of nutrition you can give your baby."
Ree was pointing participants to lactation support programs with the Thunder Bay District Helath Unit and the local Maternity Centre.
