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Congratulations to the winners of the Honouring Mother Earth 2023 contest! Chi Miigweatch (Thank you) to everyone who participated through online submissions and thank you to everyone who interacted with this event through all of our social media channels . It is always great to see so many people care about preserving and protecting Mother Earth. Without further adieu... the winners of the Honouring Mother Earth 2023 contest are... Membership: Wanda Keogh Vicki Jenkins Sharon Sapay Marilyn George Raven Corbiere Community members : Micheline Dallaire Sheri Williams Kayla Jackson Melanie Thompson Katherine Lopez Thank you to everyone else who participated. We look forward to seeing all of your amazing submissions in our upcoming events including the Mocc Walk and Mental Health Week.

Thunder Bay, ON - While the restrictions of COVID-19 continue to challenge daily life, the Ontario Native Women’s Association’s (ONWA) annual Mocc Walk Challenge is virtual for a second year. The Mocc Walk (May 1st to June 30th) is a free walking/physical activity challenge intended to increase awareness about diabetes and support physical activity amongst Indigenous women and their families across Ontario. Get active, get fit and have fun! The journey to a healthier lifestyle looks different for everyone. The Mocc Walk is a great way to reduce the chance of getting diabetes as a healthy weight reduction initiative and a way to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Whether it’s exercising in your living room or walking around the block, participants are encouraged to walk/exercise within their capabilities and record the number of minutes engaged in a physical activity of their choice. Physical activity of any kind promotes wellbeing and improves a sense of wholeness and mental health by producing endorphins that make you happy. It is especially important to take care of our physical and mental health during this unprecedented time. “At the start of COVID-19 I was depressed and unable to motivate myself to get exercise even though normally I’m a fairly active athlete. I was too ashamed of my weight gain and general failure to keep up my fitness to register for any marathon walks/hikes. The Mocc Walk gave me motivation to get out without the pressure of overly competitive people. Receiving a new fitness tracker really cheered me up. I’m not back to where I was but I’m on track to get there. If I hadn’t seen the post on Facebook I probably would still be on my couch eating pizza. Nia:wen for running this event. I definitely will be signing up next year!” Nat. Last year, 867 participants logged a total of 642,134 minutes of activity. This year, ONWA hopes more participants will join us. We are encouraging everyone – long term care facilities, classrooms, youth, and more – to get into the spirit of healthy competition. Participants will have many chances to win prizes through multiple Weekly Challenges, a Participation Draw, and a Grand Prize Draw. “This is my first time entering the Mocc Walk program 2020. It interested me. I have type 2 diabetes and this was a perfect program to take as it inspired me to stay fit and stay active. Diabetes is not easy to live with, it really changes your lifestyle. My grandmother died from this disease. I really want to make things better for myself and encourage others that just because you are diabetic doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. Just keep on living and taking care of you.” Miigwan kwe. A virtual platform offers ONWA community members a way to connect, participate, and share their Mocc Walk goals and accomplishments whether from across the living room to across the province. In these times of isolation and loneliness putting one moccasin in the front of the next is truly raising awareness about diabetes and each other. For more information and to register go to: Mocc Walk 2021 | ONWA For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Indigenous Diabetes Awareness and Education Program is pleased to announce the 2022 Mocc Walk (May 1 – June 30). The Mocc Walk is an inclusive healthy exercise initiative that calls on Indigenous women and their families to get active, get fit and have fun while promoting a healthy lifestyle and diabetes awareness. The Mocc Walk is open to Indigenous community members of all ages and abilities in the province of Ontario. Exercise includes anything that gets your heart pumping. Walking, running, chair exercises, gardening, and pow wow dancing are a few examples of ways to build minutes. ONWA recognizes that Indigenous people are faced with an increased chance of developing Type 2 diabetes and are being diagnosed with diabetes at earlier ages (Source: diabetes.ca ). Exercise is a great way to prevent or manage diabetes and its complications. It makes us stronger, reduces stress, gives us energy, and boosts our mood. This year there are a few different ways to participate: 1. Visit www.onwa.ca/moccwalk and register today! You can register at any point during this promotion. 2. Each week between May 1 and June 30, 2022, record your minutes exercised and submit each week at www.onwa.ca/moccwalk . 3. Follow ONWA’s social media for an update on Weekly Challenges , each week submit your entry for a chance to win prizes. 4. Are you a teacher looking to encourage youth exercise and diabetes awareness in your classroom? Participate in the Classroom Challenge by emailing sanderson@onwa.ca . 5. Are you looking to reduce the impact of smoking in your life? If you smoke and are thinking of reducing or quitting, join our Smoking Cessation Challenge . Smoking reduction and cessation can reduce your chance of developing diabetes. Record your progress using our Smoking Cessation Journal and submit at the end of the Mocc Walk to be entered into a draw to win prizes. (In partnership with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Indigenous Cohort upcoming Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) on smoking cessation.) Last year, we heard many encouraging success stories from almost 1,500 community members who Mocc Walked 1,206,539 minutes. This year, join our virtual community across Ontario as they honour their bodies through exercise! Be a Mocc Star in your community and encourage your family, friends, or co-workers to families to get active, get fit and have fun! To register, Mocc Walk your way to www.onwa.ca/moccwalk and click on the link to register. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Congratulations to all those who participated in ONWA's 2022 Mocc Walk, every effort towards improving the health of you and your loved ones is extraordinary and impactful. You are all winners. This year, there were a total of 894 registrants and 109,205 minutes exercised! Grand Prize: CND$500 Sport Chek Gift Card, Stacey CND$100 Manitobah Mukluk Gift Card, Belinda Participation Draw: East 8th Gen IPAD, Danette Garmin Forerunner 55 Watch, kikin CND$100 prepaid Visa Gift Cards, Morning Walker South 8th Gen IPAD, Cris Garmin Forerunner 55 Watch, Mocc Mama CND$100 prepaid Visa Gift Cards, Silver Mama West 8th Gen IPAD, l adybug Garmin Forerunner 55 Watch, Brit CND$100 prepaid Visa Gift Cards, Northwind North 8th Gen IPAD, Gazoo Garmin Forerunner 55 Watch, Chooty CND$100 prepaid Visa Gift Cards, Flavia Smoking Cessation Challenge Draw: YETI Mug, Jbombs YETI Mug, Wahbeheywin YETI Mug, Kahnawake YETI Mug, Doe "Water is Life" Package, Laffytaffykaffy Classroom Challenge Draw: Cultural Craft Workshop, Elsie MacGill School

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Indigenous Diabetes Awareness and Education Program is pleased to announce the 2023 Mocc Walk (May 1 – June 30). The Mocc Walk is an inclusive healthy exercise initiative that calls on Indigenous women and their families to get active, get fit, and have fun while promoting a healthy lifestyle and diabetes awareness. ONWA calls on all Indigenous women and girls to take up their leadership roles in their communities by encouraging your community to join this challenge and experience the benefits that exercise can provide, including diabetes prevention. Healthy and well Indigenous women and girls lead to healthy and well communities. The Mocc Walk is open to Indigenous women and their family members in the province of Ontario. ONWA encourages bodies of all ages and abilities to join in this Mocc Walk challenge. Exercise looks different to everyone and can be anything that gets your body moving. Pow wow dancing, walking, or doing a chair exercise are all examples of ways to build up your exercise minutes. There are a few different ways to participate in the Mocc Walk. The more you participate, the better chance you have of winning some great prizes. 1. Register at www.onwa.ca/moccwalk . You can register at any point during the promotion. Each week between May 1 and June 30, 2022, record your minutes exercised and submit to be entered into the Grand Prizes and Participation Draws. 2. Once you are registered, follow ONWA’s social media for an update on Weekly Challenges. Submit your weekly entry for a chance to win Weekly Challenges Draw prize. There are 9 weekly challenges and 3 prizes drawn each week; a total of 27 chances to win. 3. Participate as a class between May 1- May 26, 2023! Are you a teacher looking to encourage youth exercise and diabetes awareness in your classroom? Participate in the Classroom Challenge by emailing sanderson@onwa.ca . 4. Are you looking to reduce the impact of smoking in your life? If you smoke and are thinking of reducing or quitting, join our Smoking Cessation Challenge. In partnership with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Indigenous Cohort Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) on Promoting Smoking Reduction and Cessation with Indigenous Peoples of Reproductive Age and their Communities. Smoking reduction and cessation can reduce your chance of developing diabetes. Record your progress using our Smoking Cessation Journal and submit at the end of the Mocc Walk to be entered into a draw to win 1 of 3 prizes. We have a selection of fantastic prizes this year including: Grand Prize Draw 1. $500.00 Sport Chek gift card 2. $100.00 Mantibah Mukluk gift card Participation Draws (total of 12 chances to win) 1. Garmin Forerunner SS watch (x4) 2. Sport bundle (x4): Hat, lip chap, Goodr sunglasses, fanny pack, sunscreen and $50.00 Sport Chek gift card 3. Yeti Rambler 1.89L Bottle (x4) Classroom Challenge Draw (depending on the age of the winning class the prize will be 1 of the following) 1. A double ball set with teachings 2. Making your own double ball 3. How to play lacrosse and teachings 4. Beading kits and teachings Last year, we heard many encouraging success stories from almost 900 community members who Mocc Walked 109,205 minutes. This year, join our virtual community across Ontario as they honour their bodies through exercise! Be a Mocc Star in your community and encourage your family, friends, or co-workers to families to get active, get fit and have fun! Mocc Walk your way to www.onwa.ca/moccwalk to register now! For more information and media inquiries, contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

The Mocc Walk is a free and inclusive healthy exercise initiative intended to increase awareness about diabetes and support physical activity amongst Indigenous women and their families across Ontario. It encourages everyone to “get active ∙ get fit ∙ have fun”. This years MoccWalk was a massive success, we had 590 amazing registrants who exercised for over 560k minutes. What a turn out! However, it is time for our favourite part... to announce the winners of this years MoccWalk giveaway... Grand Prize Winners $500 Sport Chek Giftcard = Renegade $100 Manatoba Mukluk Gift Card = Auntie Jazz North Winners Garmin Watch = Emjay Sport Bundle = MrtnD Yeti Rambler = Roo East Winners Garmin Watch = Ali Sport Bundle = Nativesaucey Yeti Rambler = Priscilla West Winners Garmin Watch = Northwind Sport Package = Fabgrammaof7 Yeti Rambler = Amanduh South Winners Garmin Watch = Michy Sport Package = Kaitlynn McLeod Yeti Rambler = Star Woman Smoking Cessation Winners Beading Package = walking tall Wellness Bundle = Susie Yeti Mug = NanaKahgee Week 9 - MoccWalk Impact It has been a wild 9 weeks of submissions from our fantastic community. Chi Miigwetch to everyone who had participated. The weekly winners of Week 9 are: Community Members: Kelly Esquimaux (Kellyisit), Sharon Sapay (Fabgramma walkinhy) and Jessica Tomic (SuperJ) Week 8 - Nature is Medicine Chi Miigwetch to everyone who shared their delicious and healthy meals and snacks with us this week, our weekly winners are: Community Members: Albert Hunter (AlbertaH), Connie Mcewen (Gamma), Jen O’Brien (JenOB) Week 7 - Nature is Medicine Thanks to everyone who shared their adventures out into nature this week, our weekly winners are: Community Members: Hilary Duguay (Hils), Heather Martyniuk (Wapisholiyan Iskwew), Mackenzie Martyniuk (Tuna Fast Tuna Furious) Week 6 - Strawberry Snacking Thanks to everyone who shared their delicious and nutritious healthy snacks! The winners of week 6 are: Community Members: Ivory Sutherland (Ivory), Jade O’Brien (JadeOB), Ketherine Lopez (Laffytaffykaffy) Staff: Tiana Kusic (TIA K) Week 5 - Indoor Active Getting active indoors never looked so fun! Thanks to everyone who submitted this week! Our weekly winners are: Community Members: Michelle Chartrand (Michy), Susie Gray (Susie), Ebony Gladu (Deadly Auntie Eb) Staff: Brittany Stinson-McGee (soulfeet) Week 4 - Getting Active Thanks for showing us how you get active! There were lots of amazing submissions this week. The winners of week four are: Community Members: Chevaun Toulouse (Gnebigkwe), Sheila Tansley (Chicklet), Felisha Sylvestre (Bosco) Staff: Jennifer Loranger (Witness the Fitness) Week 3 - Holistic Wellbeing Week three is all wrapped up! Chi Miigwech to everyone who has participated so far. The winners for week three are: Community Members: Kandus Williams (Kandus), Summer Lavallee (Summer), Jamie Keeash (Jay) Staff: Jay Blain (BlainsInPain) Week 2 - Flower Power Congratulations to the winners from week 2 of the MoccWalk! Community Members: Megan Wabasse ( Megzi ), Cindy O'Neill ( 8 feet Moccstars ), Patti McIntomney ( Angeni ) Staff: Kate Hanson (Kittenskate) Week 1 - Spread the Word Congratulations to the winners from week 1 of the MoccWalk! Community Members: Cassie Singer (Renegade), Megan Sault (Walking Tall), Ernestine Bottomley (Gazoo) Staff: Natasha Bucknell (Tasha Rocks Her Moccs)

Chi Miigwech (thank you) to everyone who submitted a photo, shared a teaching from, or told a story that reflects the role of a past or present mother figure in your life. Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Honouring Our Mothers contest. Community: Miranda-May Deveau Danah St.Amand Ebony Gladu Patti McIntomney Pamela Moore Membership: Kathy Sapay Sharon Sapay Candace Gagnon Clarissa Matasawagon Sue Brant

Congratulations to the community entry winners of ONWA’s Indigenous Affirmation Deck Waabshki Sabe - Entry Number 43 – My Ancestors are proud of me. Amna Wali - Entry number 45 - Being down to earth never means allow others to walk over you. Janet Sunday - Entry number 50 - Be stronger than your strongest excuse. Alysha Wesley - Entry number 86 - Stand your ground, it’s sacred. Avery McGuire - Entry number 128 - I have the power to change my story.

Chi Miigwech to everyone who sent in a submission, all of the art was truly fantastic and it was very difficult to choose the winners. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing community that steps up and is so talented! 1st place – ONWA WOMEN by Mary Ann Wemigwans 2nd Place – Head Dress Woman Crystal-Lynn Wawia 3rd Place- ONW Medicine Wheel - Kody Reed

At the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA), we honour and encourage Indigenous women to embrace their biological gift to nourish their children. We are celebrating this World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) by providing educational resources to promote breastfeeding. Learn about the benefits, challenges, and resources available to those who are breastfeeding. From August 1-14 , submit something you learned or a question you have about breastfeeding at forms.office.com/r/HFeEGkx2mn to be entered into our draw for 1 of 3 breastfeeding giveaways! We will be developing a Breastfeeding FAQ guided by your submissions. Fun Fact #1 Recipe - No Bake Lactation Bites Fun Fact #2 Recipe - Basic Overnight Oat’s for Breastfeeding Mothers Fun Fact #3 Recipe - Pumpkin Spice Lactation Smoothie Benefits to Mom Benefits to Baby Self-Care for Mom’s During Breastfeeding Traditional Medicines to Assist in Breastfeeding How to Safely Store Breastmilk Challenges and how to overcome them/Mastitis Testimonials Resources for Lactation Support in Ontario Resources for Lactation Support in Thunder Bay As the Creator gifted women with the ability to reproduce and create life, women were also gifted with the biological feature, specific to them, to nourish a child from within. This inherent part of a woman enables them to provide vitamins and antibodies that cannot be genetically reproduced and are specific to the needs of the baby. Breastfeeding creates a closeness and bond that is an extension of the relationship started in the womb. They say that breastfeeding is best, but what is most important, whether it be breast or bottle, is what works best for mom and baby. Fun Fact #1 Breastfeeding mother’s typically sleep an extra 45 minutes more a night, compared to those who don’t. Your breast milk will change monthly, weekly, daily and even throughout single feeds to meet the needs of your growing baby. Mothers of premature babies have breast milk with more protein, fat, and other minerals for bone and brain growth and more protective factors that prevent illness and infection. Historically, Indigenous mothers breastfed their young. If they were unable to produce milk, or had any issues, other members of the community would step in and help breastfeed their children. Recipe - No Bake Lactation Bites 2 cups old-fashioned oats ½ cup ground or milled flaxseed 3 tbsp brewer’s yeast 1 cup peanut butter or almond butter ½ cup honey 1 tsp vanilla ½ cup dark chocolate chips In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add all ingredients except for the chocolate chips. Mix on low speed until mixture is well combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Roll mixture into 2 tablespoon sized smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or enjoy right away. Once the bites have set, transfer them to an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Fun Fact #2 Your breast milk will change in smell and taste based on the foods you eat. Eating a variety of foods and exposing baby to different flavors during breastfeeding can help them to be less picky as they grow! The amount of breast milk you can produce is not based on the size of your breasts. A mom with small breasts can produce just as much, or more, milk as a mom with large breasts. Recipe - Basic Overnight Oat’s for Breastfeeding Mothers ½ cup rolled oats 1 cup milk of choice (almond, soy, oat, etc.) 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tbsp nuts/seeds (almonds, walnuts, etc.) 1-2 tbsp sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, etc.) Optional add in ingredients: fresh fruit, chia seeds, flax seeds, nut butters, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder Mix all ingredients and your choice of add-ins in a jar. Stir until combined. Cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight. When ready to eat, top overnight oats with a splash of your favourite milk, fresh fruit, ground nuts and sweetener to your preference and enjoy! Fun Fact #3 Colostrum is the milk that comes in the first few days after birth. This is generally referred to as “Liquid Gold”. This milk has the calcium, potassium, proteins, minerals and antibodies your baby needs. Even just a few teaspoons of this milk will help your baby stay healthy until your milk flow increases. Breast milk can be blue, green, yellow (gold) pink, or orange depending on what you eat or drink. Recipe - Pumpkin Spice Lactation Smoothie 1 ½ cups milk of choice 1 tbsp pumpkin puree 1 carrot (chopped) ½ cup mango (fresh or frozen) 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg 1/8 tsp ginger 1/8 tsp cloves Optional add in ingredients: 1 tbsp collagen peptides, honey/sweetener to taste, handful of ice cubes Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until creamy & smooth. Top with whipped cream and crushed walnuts if desired. Enjoy! Benefits to Mom Breastfeeding moms often lose weight without additional exercise as breastfeeding can burn 500-600 calories a day. Breastfeeding releases the prolactin and oxytocin hormones that help mom and baby to bond, and ease feelings of stress. Mothers who breastfeed are at a lower risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, and postpartum depression. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the more protection she has. Breastfeeding is a cost effective way to feed your baby and to help you save money! Benefits to Baby Babies who are breastfed are at a lower risk of cavities later in life, and it may lower the change they will need braces. Babies who are breastfed are at a lower risk for ear infections, respiratory infections, stomach problems and diarrhea. Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of asthma, diabetes and childhood obesity. Antibodies and live white blood cells that help your baby fight against infection are present in breast milk. When mom or baby are sick, the amount of these cells in your breast milk increases. Self-Care for Mom’s During Breastfeeding During your breastfeeding journey, although you are your babies' main source of nutrition, you need to ensure you are taking care of yourself as well. Ways to care for yourself: Stay Hydrated – drink plenty of fluids but try to limit sugary drinks! Eat in a Balanced Way – ensure you are choosing healthy food choices when you are able. Move Your Body – relieve stress through physical activity. Your body makes endorphins (the happy chemical) before and after you exercise. Rest When You Can – It is easier said than done with a newborn, but try to sleep as much as possible to help your body recover. Build a Support System – reach out to family, a friend or a worker to provide helpful advice or support. Take Time For Yourself – take time for yourself to go for a walk, have lunch with a friend or just nap while a trusted person watches your baby for a bit. Traditional Medicines to Assist in Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is a rite of passage in many cultures around the world. Here are a few traditional Indigenous medicines to assist in breastfeeding: Stinging Nettle (Tea/Infusion from leaves) Beneficial for use before and during pregnancy. High in Vitamins A, C, D, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Sulphur. Increases richness and amount of breastmilk. Harvest: When harvesting stinging nettle, wear gloves due to stinging hair along the stems. Make sure to harvest in the late spring/early summer. They are commonly found near streams/banks. Raspberry Leaf (Tea/Infusion from leaves) Can drink before and during pregnancy. Assists in the production of breastmilk. Raspberries act as blood tonic and are high in vitamins A, C, B, E, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron and Phosphorus. Harvest: They are typically found in woodland clearings. The top first year leaf growth are the best to use. Harvest in the spring/early summer before the berries start to form. Wild Mint (Tea and/or wash from leaves) Anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic. Aids in muscle and menstrual cramps, as well as lowers fevers. Cold tea can be used as a compress to help with aches, pains, arthritis, mastitis and fevers. Harvest: Wild mint is found along banks of water (lakes, rivers etc.) and can also be found in meadows. Harvest throughout the summer to early fall. Cedar (Smudge, bath, wash, and spray from leaves and stems) *do not ingest while pregnant* Protective and removes negativity. Supports healing from past traumas and grief. Detoxifying and high in vitamin C. Harvest: Can be harvested all year long. Make sure to clean cut with scissors/snippers to avoid exposing the tree to infection. They are typically found in wooded areas near water. How to Safely Store Breastmilk Keep milk at room temperature.  Breastmilk is OK for up to 4 hours after pumping at room temperature (up to 77°F). Refrigerate it.  Breastmilk is OK in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place milk in the freezer.  If you're not going to use refrigerated breastmilk within 4 days of pumping, freeze it right after pumping. Use cooler packs.  You can put breastmilk in a cooler or insulated cooler pack with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours after pumping. After 24 hours in a cooler the breastmilk should be refrigerated or frozen. What to use: When storing breastmilk, use breastmilk storage bags , which are made for freezing human milk. You can also use clean glass or hard BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids. Do not use disposable bottle liners or other plastic bags to store breastmilk. Tips for Freezing Milk: Clearly label milk containers with the date the milk was expressed. Include your child's name if you are giving the milk to a childcare provider. Freeze in small amounts (2 to 4 ounces, or ¼ to ½ cups) for later feedings. Leave an inch or so from the milk to the top of the container, because it will get bigger when freezing. Store milk in the back of the freezer, not on the shelf of the freezer door, so that it doesn't start to thaw out. Tips for Thawing/ Warming Breastmilk: Thaw the oldest breastmilk first. Thaw the bottle or bag of frozen milk by putting it in the refrigerator overnight. If you decide to warm the breastmilk: Hold it under warm, not hot, running water, or set it in a container of water that is warm, not hot. Never put a bottle or bag of breastmilk in the microwave.  Microwaving creates hot spots that could burn your baby and damage the milk. Test the temperature before feeding it to your baby by dropping some on your wrist. The milk should feel warm, not hot. Use breastmilk within 24 hours of thawing it in the refrigerator. Once breastmilk is thawed, use it within 2 hours. If you have any leftover milk, be sure to throw it out within 2 hours. Do not refreeze breastmilk after it has been thawed. Challenges and how to overcome them/Mastitis Soon after your baby's birth, your nipples may be sensitive or tender as they adjust to breastfeeding. Here are some causes of nipple pain and solutions. Baby's latch and positioning Improper latch-on occurs when baby does not grasp enough breast tissue or his tongue is positioned improperly, causing pain and discomfort. If it feels painful, you can unlatch your baby by slipping a finger in the corner of her mouth to break the suction. Then you can try latching again. Try improving the latch by bringing your baby’s chin deeply onto your breast. Or you could gently pull down on the baby’s chin to uncurl the lower lip. Fungal Infection If your nipple itches, burns, cracks, or is pink or flaky, or you have shooting pain deep in your breast between feedings, you may have a fungal (yeast) infection called thrush . This infection can also cause white spots on your baby's cheeks, tongue, and gums. If you think you have thrush, use only water to rinse your nipples after nursing. Then see your doctor or your baby's doctor right away. Both you and your baby will need to be treated for thrush with antibiotics. Milk blister A milk blister, or bleb, is a smooth, shiny, white dot on your nipple. Warm washcloth compresses, massaging and expressing some milk may help relieve it. If the blister doesn't go away, contact your doctor or midwife. Sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples It is normal for your breasts to become more sensitive in the first weeks after you have given birth. They may sting, burn, ache, or feel tender. Over time, the discomfort and sensitivity should resolve. Lanolin Ointment: Apply to nipples after breast-feeding. It doesn’t need to be removed before nursing your baby. Nipple Shield: Wearing a shield could help your nipples heal and allow continued breastfeeding. Warm Compress:  Applying a warm compress (towel or washcloth) will aid to reduce breast pain and will also help to reduce nipple pain or swelling. What is “mastitis?” Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection. The inflammation results in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness. People experiencing mastitis may also have fever and chills. Mastitis most commonly affects people who are breast-feeding (lactation mastitis). Mastitis in breastfeeding usually happens when a clogged milk duct doesn't let milk fully drain from the breast or breaks in the skin of the nipple. Symptoms: Engorgement Breast pain (mastalgia) or burning sensation that worsens when your baby nurses. Hard lumps on your breast. Red marks on your breast. Flu-like symptoms, including fever and chills if mastitis infection occurs. *It’s important when breastfeeding to allow both breasts to express milk* At-home treatment for inflammatory mastitis includes: Ice : Use an ice pack or a frozen bag of vegetables to reduce swelling while laying on your back so the swelling drains into your lymph nodes. You shouldn’t apply heat. Pain relievers : Using over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce swelling and pain. Lymphatic drainage : Lymphatic drainage involves gentle, light “petting of a cat” pressure of your breast toward your lymph nodes above your collar bones and in your armpit. It reduces swelling by moving fluid. This isn’t as strong of pressure as a massage. Reverse pressure softening (RPS) : This type of massage reduces swelling in your areola and nipple by moving the fluid away from it. It allows your baby to latch more easily to a full breast. To perform RPS, place two fingertips around the base of your nipple. Apply pressure, then drag your fingers away from your nipple. Do this at several angles around your nipple. Wear a supportive bra : A supportive bra isn’t tight-fitting and doesn’t put more pressure on your breasts. DO NOT: Aggressively massage your breast. Use any type of massaging device on your breast. Soak your breast in anything. Apply heat. *Consult your healthcare practitioner if you believe you are experiencing symptoms.* Testimonials “Breastfeeding all 5 of my children was the best decision I ever made. It allowed me to save money and time, and it provided comfort for both myself and my children. I feel empowered being able to feed my kids with the body creator gave me.” Jessica Bannon “To the moms that tried to breastfeed and feel like they failed; even trying you were successful in breastfeeding. It’s not an easy journey, you did what was best for your baby. Honor yourself, be kind to yourself, you did amazing!“ Dyana Crosson “After my daughter was born prematurely and spent 6 weeks in the NICU, I was determined to breastfeed her. I felt since we didn’t get to bond through her birth, I wanted to solidify our attachment through nourishing her with my body. I was so thankful for the support from various services to help me and my daughter succeed with our 16 month breastfeeding journey.” Donis Tucker “My breastfeeding journey started out a bit rocky. Thankfully, I had wonderful support around me who continued to encourage me. Breastfeeding also helped me to be more mindful of my own health so that I could continue to care for my son in the best way. It was not always easy, but it was always rewarding for both of us.” Keira Handorgan Most midwives, family doctors and nurse practitioners are also able to assist you with your breastfeeding journey! Resources for Lactation Support in Ontario Bilingual 24/7 Breastfeeding Support https://ontariobreastfeeds.ca Ontario Government Breastfeeding Page https://www.ontario.ca/page/breastfeeding Lactation Clinic https://lactationclinic.com/ Telehealth 24-hour breastfeeding/chestfeeding support at 1-866-797-0000 or TTY 1-866-797-0007 Breastfeeding Connection Have another experienced breastfeeding mother phone you to give the support you need, or talk to a prenatal programmer for resources. Nipigon: 887-0264 Dorion: 857-2943 Schreiber: 824-3552 Marathon: 229-0793 Manitouwadge: 826-2883 Geraldton: 854-0454 Resources for Lactation Support in Thunder Bay Ontario Native Women’s Association – Indigenous Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program 1-800-667-0816 Thunder Bay District Health Unit – Lactation Consultants 807-625-5900 Maternity Centre – Lactation Consultants 807-684-6228

She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin 5th Annual Conference Strengthening and Building Indigenous Women's Leadership Registration is Now Full January 22-24, 2024 Online or In- Person Sheraton Fallview Hotel (5875 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls , ON L2G 3K7) The She Is Wise Nibwaakaa Inaadiziwin Conference fosters capacity building for frontline workers. Date: January 22-24, 2024. Registration closes: December 8, 2023 Ticket price: $600 per person OR $4,200 for a table of eight ($525/person - save $600) Learn more about: Save the Date - the purpose of the conference Community Call Outs - for Community Members and Youth (ages 18-29) Call out to Community Members and Youth (ages 18-29)! Are you interested in attending? Enter now for a chance to win a free ticket! Submit a picture/video/paragraph telling us what you are doing in your community to protect and promote the safety of Indigenous women and Mother Earth for future generation. Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM EST, Monday November 13 , 2023 ONWA will be covering travel and accommodations for those selected. For submissions and inquires , please contact: Angela Begin at abegin@onwa.ca The She Is Wise Conference represents ONWA’s commitment to creating a safe space that fosters capacity building for frontline workers . Frontline workers have an opportunity to learn about the wise practices on trauma-informed, culturally relevant practices in addressing violence against Indigenous women and Mother Earth. Wise practices are shared through carefully selected speakers and workshops that highlight expertise and knowledge of established community-based healing practices. Learners are able to incorporate these wise practices into their work and continue to support Indigenous women and their families. Registration costs go to funding the conference and the purchase of the conference package, which includes all workshop activity supplies. In preparation for the annual She Is Wise Conference, ONWA invites submissions from community members including youth, to attend at no cost. We thank you for your interest in the conference. Please keep in mind that this conference is meant for frontline workers. If you are not a frontline service worker, ONWA provides numerous alternative training opportunities for Indigenous women. More information to follow! For more inquires, please contact: Angela Begin at abegin@onwa.ca

Want to read previous Poetry Books or learn more about the Strong Hands Stop Violence Initiative? Visit: onwa.ca/strong-hands-stop-violence Register for the Strong Hands Stop Violence Poetry Night event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsf-upqj8rG9NgQoIaKsQyaBVoySaY31Xq?fbclid=IwAR0fLJBlmJ8WIXfJuVEh2BHAVm6o0CHejNMjUJ6G0l5hKR4BaI5rJDZi98I#/registration