Posted on: Saturday, October 2, 2004

Breastfeeders gathering today

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer

Organizers hope to see more than 186 mothers nursing their babies at the same time today on the grounds of the state Capitol to help raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding.

State Health Department officials are among the sponsors of the Hawai'i Breastfeeding Challenge, along with Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Kaiser Permanente and The Queen's Medical Center. They are encouraging women to begin nursing their babies at 11 a.m. today as part of the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to noon.

Kathy Canlas, a 34-year-old mother of two, said she needed encouragement and expert advice from Queen's pediatrician Dr. Sylvia Pager to get her through some initial problems nursing her two-month-old daughter Kahoku.

She tried breastfeeding her older daughter, now 12, but gave up. "I was a bit too young and naive and didn't know and it was hurting," she said.

Canlas, a surgical tech, plans to return to work next week but her goal is to continue nursing her daughter at least until she reaches 6 months. "It's so much easier really and it's good for her."

Sponsors are encouraging moms, moms-to-be and their loved ones to attend and participate in a global celebration aiming to set a world record for the most women breastfeeding at one time. The challenge begins at 10:30 a.m. at the State Capitol on O'ahu and at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on the Big Island.

Hawai'i's healthcare leaders advocate breastfeeding for the wide range of protective factors for the mother and the child, helping safeguard babies from infection and helping women lose weight and lower their risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

There will be food, prizes and entertainment and those who attend will receive gift bags from sponsoring agencies.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at 535-2429 or at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.