 photo credit: Deputy Premier of Manitoba, Uzoma Chioma Asagwara in Instagram video Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long Term Care in Manitoba, Uzoma Chioma Asagwara, has confirmed that lactation consultants will continue to receive government funding to support their work across the province. The announcement came in response to dozens of letters from health care professionals and researchers, including a MILC-led letter, during National Breastfeeding Week. Minister Asagwara addressed the issue on Instagram, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding families. Lactation consultants play a vital role in guiding and supporting many families throughout their breastfeeding journeys.
 During Canada's National Breastfeeding Week, THRiVE director Dr. Meghan Azad joined Marjorie Dowhos on CBC Radio Noon Manitoba to discuss the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies. Dr. Azad shared insights from her research showing how breastmilk supports infant health and development in both the short and long term — including protection against asthma, allergies, and obesity. She also highlighted the health benefits for mothers, such as reduced risk of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. The conversation addressed common breastfeeding challenges, the importance of lactation consultant support, the broader economic and environmental impacts of breastfeeding, and the importance of normalizing breastfeeding in modern society.
 A new paper published in Frontiers in Nutrition explores how components of human milk — specifically fatty acids and human milk oligosaccharides — relate to infants’ cognitive, language, and motor outcomes at ages 1 and 2 years. Led by former THRiVE Lab PhD student Dr. Sarah Turner, along with THRiVE Lab Director Dr. Meghan Azad, and collaborators across Canada and the US, the team examined breastmilk samples from 240 mother–infant pairs in the CHILD cohort from the Edmonton site.
 During National Breastfeeding Week THRiVE Lab Director Dr. Meghan Azad joined Maralee Caruso on CTV Winnipeg to discuss the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies. Dr. Azad shared insights from her research on how breastmilk supports infant development, the economic advantages of breastfeeding, and the critical role of lactation consultants in Winnipeg hospitals. She also emphasized the importance of initiating breastfeeding early and the positive impacts even a small amount of breastmilk can have.
 In recognition of National Breastfeeding Week, THRiVE Lab member and MILC Club Coordinator Dr. Karinne Cardoso Muniz led a team of volunteers from both groups in sharing their expertise with the Winnipeg community. The outreach events took place at Harvey Smith Library on Wednesday, October 1, and Saint Vital Library on Thursday, October 2. At each location, the teams hosted information tables where they engaged with community members about the benefits of breastfeeding and local programs that support breastfeeding families. Their efforts helped raise awareness and promote resources available to parents and caregivers across Winnipeg.
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