BREASTFEEDING can be very valuable for both the short and long-term health of mothers and babies, with increasing evidence of the important role it can play in assisting to better protect against some childhood infections and reducing the risk of some chronic diseases.
A light is being shone on breastfeeding through World Breastfeeding Week, from Monday, August 1 until Sunday, August 7.
Swan Hill District Health wants to highlight the way various stakeholders across the local community can play an important role in strengthening the “warm chain of support” for breastfeeding mothers and babies.
Support from others, including fathers/partners, carers, friends, family, community members, business owners, is essential in achieving breastfeeding success and providing a safe and welcome space.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association a number of years ago launched their ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ program.
This program was developed to improve community acceptability of breastfeeding in public through the promotion of breastfeeding-friendly premises.
These premises display a sticker at their business allowing mothers to easily identify places such as cafes, hairdressers and other businesses where they can breastfeed their child. The Swan Hill business community have been a great supporter of the initiative.
Some of the registered breastfeeding premises in our local area include the Federal Hotel, Murray Downs Golf and Country Club, Arc Espresso, Arcade Cafe, At Forty One, Barrels Cocktail Bar, Big 4 Swan Hill, Burke and Wills Motor Inn, Colombo’s Cafe & Pasta Bar, Commercial Hotel, SHDH Counselling Department, Elysiann Body, KB Exercise Physiology, La Mangia Cafe, Lazy River Motor Inn, Marraboor Pharmacy, Mid-Murray Chiro, My OsteoCare, Swan Hill Child Care Cooperative, Swan Hill Club, Swan Hill District Health, Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, Swan Hill Regional Library, Swan Hill Town Hall, The Beauty Spot and The Dandy Lion Studio.
To register as a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ premises, visit www.breastfeeding.asn.au/services/welcome.
SHDH offer a variety of services and support for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
The midwifery services will provide postnatal care and support through a 24-hour consult service for up to six weeks after birth (as well as supporting throughout pregnancy), conduct a home visit after discharge and more as required to support the mother and the entire family,
The breastfeeding support services, Sonya and Sheree, aim to support mothers in the first few months to be able to breastfeed comfortably so as they can enjoy the early stages of motherhood, allowing mothers and babies to have the best start possible.
The service offers flexible services and they are able to do phone, in-person, telehealth and at home visits for all clients. Contact the service on 5033 9337.
