WORLD Breastfeeding Week, August 1 to 7, is an opportunity to highlight the ways in which families, societies, communities and health workers can support breastfeeding mothers.
The theme this year is Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding support for all.
Swan Hill District Health’s Breastfeeding Support Service is provided by experienced midwife Sheree Grierson and qualified lactation consultant Sonya Edwards.
The breastfeeding support team has helped more than 459 parents on their breastfeeding journey this year, and are constantly reviewing how they can improve their services to ensure the best experience.
The team runs a breastfeeding group each Thursday at the Child and Family Hub at 63 McCrae Street, Swan Hill, from 9.30am to 11am.
This is a free community group for breastfeeding mums to find support, share experiences and connect with other parents.
Ms Edwards attends most weeks to answer breastfeeding questions or have a chat with the group.
She says “the group is open to anyone breastfeeding as well as anyone who would like to breastfeed, has tried breastfeeding in the past, or is interested in breastfeeding with their next bub”.
Having a local breastfeeding group provides support, create connections and help break down expectations on parents and feeling the need to do things a certain way.
From first-time mums to parents with various feeding experiences, multiple children, and bubs of various ages, there is a lot parents can learn from the experience of others.
In addition to the breastfeeding group, new antenatal breastfeeding sessions are available on the first Monday of each month from 9am to 10am at SHDH Community Health, 125 Campbell Street.
These free sessions help expectant parents learn all about breastfeeding before their baby is born and is a great opportunity to meet with the breastfeeding support service.
Sessions are open to women at any stage of pregnancy and partners are encouraged to come.
Antenatal education is highly recommended as the sessions cover a range of topics to help prepare for the vital days, weeks and months after babies are born.
For more information, or to contact the breastfeeding support team, call 5033 9337.
