BC gov’t wants to promote better access to breastfeeding for babies taken into care

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The province is looking for ways to increase access to breastfeeding for babies separated from their mothers by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

“In the context of child welfare matters, when an infant is removed from its birth mother, the infant is generally deprived of his or her right to the nutritional benefits of breastmilk, which research shows has a long-term impact on healthy development,” reads the report.

“Research also shows that breastfeeding promotes attachment, which similarly plays a positive role in a child’s development.”

A report released today includes a number of recommended actions, including finding more ways to keep at-risk mothers and infants together, ways to make breastmilk available for those babies, and better pre- and post-partum care for mothers who use substances.

The joint report from the Representative for Children and Youth and the Ministry of Children and Family Development also recognizes the disproportionate number of Indigenous mothers and babies separated by the ministry.

“The over-representation of Indigenous children and youth in care begins with the decision to bring a child into care in the first place. It is therefore imperative that practices that result in fewer children entering care are considered and implemented in B.C.,” reads the report.

It acknowledges that each situation is unique, and balancing a baby’s nutrition and safety is a complex issue. But it says steps need to be taken to keep families together, wherever possible. “In the longer term, it is clear that this is in an infant’s best interests.”

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