Researcher from Trent-Fleming School of Nursing Spearheads Breastfeeding Friendly Campus Initiative
Trent University kicks-off province-wide project with conference
The perspectives of breastfeeding students will be among those shared at a conference hosted by Trent University this week, October 27 and October 28 as part of the launch of the province-wide Breastfeeding Friendly Campus Initiative (BFCI) - the brainchild of a Trent University researcher.
The BFCI is a strategy to support breastfeeding mothers attending post-secondary institutions in Ontario and is led by Dr. Michele J. McIntosh, a professor at the Trent-Fleming School of Nursing.
"Breastfeeding students may constitute a vulnerable group, as pregnancy and breastfeeding are seen as belonging in the private domain or antithetical to obtaining an education. Historically, having a baby meant withdrawal from school,” said Professor McIntosh, whose research is committed to improving the lives and health, of women and children. “Supporting breastfeeding mothers at school is more than protecting their human right, it is a powerful determinant of present and future health. Schools may or may not have specific breastfeeding accommodation policies, students may not be aware of their right to be accommodated on campus, and faculty and staff may not be aware of their duty to accommodate students."
The conference, scheduled for October 27 and 28, and funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, will feature experts in the field as it explores the importance of institutional support for breastfeeding students. The Ontario Human Rights Code for the protection of breastfeeding on campus will be presented, as well as evidence-based best practices to support breastfeeding, such as the provision of designated spaces, processes to broker accommodation agreements and, the establishment of peer support groups.
Trent is pleased to be welcoming keynote speaker Dr. Jack Newman, an internationally renowned pediatrician and author who specializes in breastfeeding and is a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his advocacy work. Dr. Newman will give a free public lecture at the Great Hall in Champlain College from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00p.m. on Tuesday, October 27.
Other speakers and presenters at the conference include: Ruth Goba, (Interim) Ontario Human Rights Commissioner; cultural food anthropologist Dr. Penny van Esterik, Professor Emeritus, York University, and Dr. Michele Vancour, University of Sourthern Connecticut, co-editor of Breastfeeding Best Practices in Higher Education.
At Trent, the President's Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility (PACHREA) has struck a sub-committee to explore how best to protect the human rights and support Trent students. The Committee members are currently discussing the development of a breastfeeding accommodation policy as well as undertaking other strategies to support breastfeeding mothers.
The BFCI is a partnership with the Peterborough County-City Public Health Unit and is funded by Health Nexus.
For further information about the conference or to register, please visit, http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/breastfeeding-friendly-campus-conference-registration-18737313810?aff=es2
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca
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