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Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in LifeEvery child deserves the best start in life. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months gives babies the nutrients they need, strengthens immunity, helps protect against infections, supports healthy growth and brain development, and fosters a strong bond between mother and child.
This National Breastfeeding Week, calls on fathers, partners, families, communities, employers, and health workers to support mothers to breastfeed successfully. Breastfeeding is not the responsibility of mothers alone; it takes a supportive environment for every child to thrive.
Registration and Nutritional offering 5:30 – 6:00
6:00 – 6:15 Welcome and Land Acknowledgement and LLLatch-On
6:15 – 6:45 Your Voice, Your care Your Village
Build the confidence to advocate for your needs throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period while championing inclusive care and sustainable support.
Maye Hiltz, Registered Midwife, Midwives of York Region
Maye is a Registered Midwife practicing in Ontario since June 2025. She graduated from the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University with Honours and have a background in Health Sciences from Western University.
As a someone who was introduced to midwifery from the mothers perspective first, I understand both the professional and personal sides of navigating pregnancy and birth. I am particularly passionate about supporting clients to feel informed, confident, and empowered to advocate for themselves, while recognizing the importance of individualized care and sustainable support systems.
Outside of midwifery, I enjoy spending time outdoors and camping with my family, reading, working on puzzles, and crocheting."
6:45 – 7:15 How Partners, Fathers, and Supporters Can Help the Breastfeeding Journey
A supportive partner can play a key role in a parent’s breastfeeding success. Partners can strongly influence both a mother’s decision to breastfeed and how long breastfeeding continues.
A panel of dads, partners and supporters share their experience
7:15– 8:00 Breastfeeding, Mental Health, and the Care Mothers Deserve
Mothers should not have to choose between meeting their infants’ feeding needs and protecting their own well-being. However, breastfeeding support frequently centres on infant outcomes without adequately addressing maternal emotional health.
Health systems, workplaces, and community organizations often address infant feeding and maternal mental health as distinct priorities, despite their close interconnection in mothers’ lived experiences.
Participants who are expecting a baby will explore practical strategies and support systems to prepare for breastfeeding and parenting. Those who already have an infant or child will learn approaches to sustain their breastfeeding and parenting goals while protecting their emotional health.
Katie is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Child and Family Health division, holds a Master of Adult Education and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). With more than 20 years of nursing experience spanning public health, neonatal intensive care, labour and delivery, and lactation consulting. Throughout her career, she has led large-scale public health initiatives, developed continuing education programs for healthcare professionals, and championed breastfeeding and early childhood health initiatives across hospital and community settings. Passionate about lifelong learning and capacity building,
Katie is committed to supporting healthcare providers and families through education, mentorship, and collaborative leadership. Outside of work Katie loves reading, and spending time with her busy family and two goldendoodles.
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Event venue
17310 Yonge St, Newmarket, ON L3Y 7R8, Canada EarlyON Child and Family Centre, Canada
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