Seven nursing moms took part in the Breastfeeding Challenge at Tommy Douglas Library on Sept. 30.
The annual event, held across Canada and the U.S., aims to raise awareness about breastfeeding and set a new record of children latching on simultaneously at one site. Also, World Breastfeeding Week runs Oct. 1 to 7.
Shauna Park and her six-week-old daughter, Cali, took part in the Burnaby challenge.
“I’m trying to meet other moms. I don’t have any friends with babies, and I just want to kind of get out there and try to be as active as I can as far as anything that has to do with baby groups,” she said of her reasons for signing up, adding she moved to the city in July.
Cali is Park’s third child. Her second youngest is 10 years old.
She admits she was somewhat worried her milk wouldn’t come in given the 10-year gap.
“(I) was very happy when it did come in,” she told the NOW.
But breastfeeding wasn’t as easy with her second child, who had what’s known as tongue-tie and lip-tie, and couldn’t properly latch on and suck.
“When you’re a mom, you don’t even know this is even a thing,” said Park. “You feel discouraged.”
Despite the obstacles, Park encourages mothers to not give up on breastfeeding.
“It’s a bonding time, so just stick with it. Drink lots of water.”
It’s also important to take advantage of breastfeeding support groups, according to Park.
“Even though this is my third, things change all the time. There are things when I was younger I didn’t think about. I said to my boyfriend, ‘What do I need support for?’ Now, I’m intrigued to attend.”
As for Cali, she ended up nursing before the 11 a.m. latch-on “because she couldn’t wait.”
“She definitely loves to eat,” Park said with a laugh.
Cali’s father, Joe Urquhart, also attended the challenge.
“When we got there, he was a little bit scared. He was like, ‘Maybe I should leave.’ But the women just brought him in with open arms,” said Park.
