Local mothers show support for baby-toting Oshawa politician

About a dozen local mothers showed up for the Jan. 22 regional council meeting with babies in tow, an initiative that was co-ordinated through social media.

“We know she’s been getting a bit of flak and we want to show that we’re proud of her,” said Jandy Morrow Beresford, mother to two young children and breastfeeding educator.

She says it’s “crucially important” that new breastfeeding mothers keep their babies close and feed on demand.

Coun. England says she plans to take six-week-old Amelia Sandra to meetings until March, because it will take that long for her to establish a milk supply.

The baby girl is already a council veteran, having been to council and committee meetings in Oshawa earlier this month.

“So far she’s been good, really quiet,” says Coun. England, noting her husband or another support person is typically at the meetings too, ready to step in if the baby gets fussy.

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“As a mom and a breastfeeding mom, I support Amy’s right to choose what is going to work for her family,” said participant Rebecca Munn. “This means she has to bring her little one with her to work, and she should be welcomed into council chambers by all.”

Local mother Crystal Keiller-Vardy says she breastfed all five of her children and understands how challenging it can be.

“It was so hard and so much work to be able to breastfeed,” she says. “I faced a lot of blockage and misunderstanding from people. I think we need to support breastfeeding mothers in all ways possible so that society sees how normal and natural breastfeeding is and how important it is for the child physically and emotionally.”

Coun. England said her council colleagues in Oshawa at the Region have been “super supportive” so far, adding she was touched by the show of support from other mothers.

“Only 25 per cent of politicians at the municipal level are women ... I’m hoping this can inspire more young women to get involved,” she said.

Several mothers at Wednesday’s meeting said they would like to see changes made to allow politicians to take parental leave, stressing young women in particular shouldn’t have to choose between having a family and holding public office.