WORLD Breastfeeding Week highlights the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring to the health and welfare of mothers, infants and families.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, however Australian statistics show we are falling short on these recommendations.
Most Australian parents want to breastfeed, with 96 per cent of mothers initiating breastfeeding, however there is a rapid fall to only 35 per cent of babies being exclusively breastfeed at around three months.
The support in the community – from partners, carers, allies, health professionals and workplaces – is essential to breastfeeding success and the increased duration of breastfeeding.
This year, the Swan Hill District Health health promotion and breastfeeding support teams will invite the wider community to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, from August 1-6, with two breastfeeding drop-in sessions.
They encourage the community to drop in and share experiences, ask questions, catch up with other breastfeeding parents, carers and supporters.
There will also be an opportunity to meet Sonya Plant, a qualified lactation consultant, and ask about any breastfeeding queries.
Sessions are 11am until noon on Tuesday, August 2 and Friday, August 4 at Swan Hill Regional Library.
SHDH breastfeeding support service aims to help breastfeeding parents to be comfortable and enjoy early parenthood.
Sonya and experienced midwife Sheree are available to provide extra support through their flexible services and are able to do phone, in person, telehealth and at home visits for all clients.
The hospital midwifery services also supports breastfeeding throughout pregnancy and provides postnatal care and support through a 24-hour consult service for up to six weeks after birth.
More details at www.shdh.org.au/our-services.
Meanwhile, podiatrists at SHDH are playing a vital role in promoting mobility and reducing foot and leg pain for patients of all ages.
These trained health professionals are equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of foot and lower leg conditions.
From bone and joint disorders to soft tissue and muscular pathologies, podiatrists at SHDH are well-versed in addressing various foot ailments.
They are particularly skilled in managing foot complications arising from neurological and circulatory diseases, with diabetes being a common culprit.
Whether it’s acute injuries from sports or chronic foot conditions, skin and nail disorders, corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails, the podiatry team at SHDH is adept at providing expert diagnoses and treatments, including surgical interventions if necessary.
The department also places great emphasis on preventing lower limb amputations and conducts regular wound clinics for patients with risk factors.
These may include a history of foot ulcers, previous amputations, loss of protective sensation, poor circulation, significant foot deformities, and end-stage kidney disease. New patient clinics are also available to cater to individual needs.
SHDH podiatry has introduced two new specialised clinics.
The first is a paediatric clinic, held twice a month, focusing on children and toddlers experiencing walking problems or foot pain. The second is a lower limb edema clinic, designed for clients with lower leg ulcers and leg swelling, operating every Monday morning alongside a lymphedema physiotherapist.
For people seeking a podiatry assessment, call Allied Health reception on 5033 9390.
Upon filling out a self-referral form, you will be contacted once an appointment becomes available.
During your visit, the podiatrist will thoroughly examine your feet, consider your symptoms, health history, and daily routines to offer tailored advice and treatment plans, ensuring your feet receive the best possible care.
