As Australians in three states face lockdowns, the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) reminded dads, partners and loved-ones to support the breastfeeding mums in their lives as part of its World Breastfeeding Week campaign.
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Running from Sunday, August 1 to Saturday, August 7, the theme for this year was "protect breastfeeding: a shared responsibility".
In 2020, 61 percent of mothers who sought breastfeeding support from ABA reported being challenged, fearful or unable to access traditional face-to-face supports due to lockdowns.
But, with the COVID-19 pandemic stretching into its 18th month, ABA called on expectant parents, especially dads and partners, to build the foundations for a "virtual village" ahead of their newest arrival.
ABA senior manager in breastfeeding information and research Naomi Hull said a virtual village could be set up by booking both parents into an online or in-person ABA breastfeeding education class and saving the Breastfeeding Helpline number.
"Once armed with practical breastfeeding knowledge and backed by the support of our free LiveChat service and 24/7 Breastfeeding Helpline, prospective parents are well positioned to navigate the newborn phase together, with or without the support of their usual "village"," Ms Hull said.
In the Eurobodalla, mums can access a real life village in the form of the Eurobodalla Breastfeeding Group, led by GP Dr Michelle Hamrosi.
"I cannot imagine a more important time to support mums to breastfeed than in the middle of a global pandemic," she said.
"It takes a village to raise a baby and the pandemic is a major disruption to that.
"ABA is endeavouring to continue providing a wide array of support via online education classes, live chat and the phone help line, please reach out if you need support."
The Eurobodalla group meets fortnightly in COVID-safe meetings around the Shire.
It was a game changer for Broulee mum of three Ness Shannon while she was breastfeeding her children, now aged 3-, 5- and 8-years old.
"I discovered the group when I had my third child, and I wished I'd had something like it for my first," Ms Shannon said.
"The support network it provides is amazing, and even if you can't make it to every meeting, it helps knowing it's there and normalises the struggles many women experience when breastfeeding."
Ms Shannon said it was vital for breastfeeding mums to be supported by partners and loved ones and commended the 2021 World Breastfeeding Week theme.
"It's imperative to continue with this sort of education so all partners can understand the physical and mental breastfeeding journey mums go through," she said.
"The more partners are supported to support the mums, the greater success rate will be."
"For mums and partners there is a huge amount of information available and know you're not alone. There is never a silly question when it comes to breastfeeding."
To find out more about the Eurobodalla group, visit the website or email ABAeurobodalla@gmail.com.
To book an online or in-person breastfeeding education class visit the ABA website.
Help is available Australia-wide via the 24/7 Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 268.
I'm a journalist for the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner and Narooma News. Got a tip? Email maeve.bannister@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I'm a journalist for the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner and Narooma News. Got a tip? Email maeve.bannister@austcommunitymedia.com.au
