Supplied by Algoma Public Health… Algoma Public Health (APH) and Maamwesying, North Shore Community Health Services Inc. have partnered to develop a breastfeeding awareness campaign called ‘Doodooshaaboo – It takes a community to breastfeed.’

Doodooshaaboo is an Anishinaabe word meaning breast milk.  The goal of the Doodooshaaboo campaign is to ensure that mothers and their families have access to the best supports and resources in the community.

“This partnership has created a resource for families that is inclusive of all supports and services from the Indigenous communities, Algoma Public Health, and the Sudbury & District Health Unit,” said Catherine Willet, a public health nurse from APH.  “This partnership provides families with increased access to services that are meaningful and provide early intervention.”

The campaign includes 14 life-sized photographs of local mother’s breastfeeding to encourage and promote community support. A local directory and magnets for families to have easy access to contact information was developed.

“The directory includes contact information for cultural workers and traditional health, to provide access to traditional medicines that stimulate or halt breast milk production,” said Cynthia Morriseau, Aanjichigewin Health Educator/Promoter-West End from Maamwesying, North Shore Community Health Services Inc.

The campaign will be featured in the Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre, the Baawaating Family Health Team, Batchewana First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Thessalon First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Serpent River First Nation, Sagamok First Nation and Atikameksheng First Nation.

The campaign will kick off on: Date  Time Place October 1, 2015 2:45 pm Garden River Wellness Centre October 6, 2015 3:30 pm Non Dway Gamig ‘Healing Place,’ Batchewana First Nation October 7, 2015 12:30 pm Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre