Nursing moms can go for gold at a breastfeeding competition in North York this month.
Toronto Public Health is encouraging mothers and babies to help Toronto win the fourth annual Breastfeeding Challenge.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, moms and infants at sites across Canada and the United States will compete to set the record for the most babies breastfeeding at one site.
In Toronto, the contest takes place in the council chambers of the North York Civic Centre at 5100 Yonge St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration will be held from 10 to 10:30 a.m.
Last year, Toronto placed eighth out of 222 locations, with 105 moms and 107 babies and toddlers taking part.
The event is organized by public health and the Chinese/Vietnamese Breastfeeding Network. It will include information sessions, a light lunch and door prizes.
The contest also helps mark World Breastfeeding Week.
The week promotes the goal of greater support for all breastfeeding mothers so they can achieve the gold standard of breastfeeding. That means exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life and continued breastfeeding while other appropriate foods are added for up to two years or beyond.
For more information, call public health at 416-338-7600 or visit www.toronto.ca/health.