Keeping Abreast in Victoria

Pregnancy, Babies and Children's Expo

2010-10-23T12:33:00.000+11:00

Hello to all those expectant and new parents who came to say hello at the 2010 Melbourne Pregnancy, Babies and Children's Expo!

Our volunteers have been very busy handing out information bags to visitors, telling them about our association and helping with questions about breastfeeding.

Lots of interest in our Breastfeeding Education Classes, so if you are thinking of booking a place, hurry so you don't miss out!

Morning Tea for World Breastfeeding Week!

2010-07-28T11:17:00.002+10:00

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with morning tea :) Come along and meet mothers and health professionals over a cuppa.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from August 1–7 with hospitals and health services this year being encouraged to adopt the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

The newly-formed Dandenong Group of the Australian Breastfeeding Association is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week and the theme is Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps — the Baby-Friendly Way. The Dandenong Group will be holding a special morning tea at the Dandenong Breastfeeding Centre 3/71 Robinson St Dandenong on Wednesday August 4th 2010 between 10am and 12pm for World Breastfeeding Week.

The 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding were developed by the World Health Organization and have been proven to help more mothers to breastfeed, says Breastfeeding Centre Manager and Breastfeeding Counsellor Yvette O’Dowd. ‘The 10 Steps involves hospitals ensuring their maternity practices support mothers and babies to breastfeed.

‘In Australia over 80% of new mothers choose to breastfeed their babies so we need to support them in that choice as much as we can’, she said.
The 10 Steps include things such as training staff in breastfeeding care, informing pregnant women about how breastfeeding works, placing babies in skin-to-skin contact with their mothers after birth, showing mothers how to breastfeed and allowing mothers and babies to remain together 24 hours a day.

The 10th step involves referring mothers to breastfeeding support services once they leave hospital.

‘This is where the Australian Breastfeeding Association can link in with hospital services‘, Yvette O’Dowd said. ‘The Association supports mothers by offering a 24-hour Breastfeeding Helpline as well as local groups, breastfeeding classes and breast pump hire’.

Noble Park photo shoot for breastfeeding promotion

2010-04-13T16:23:00.002+10:00

Mothers and breastfed babies are needed for posters and brochures promoting breastfeeding in the City of Greater Dandenong.

Our next professional photo session will be held on Tuesday April 20th in Noble Park between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

All volunteers will receive a CD of photos taken, which can be reproduced for family use. The photographer is female, a mother and works regularly with breastfeeding women and the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

The photos will be taken within walking distance of Noble Park station and will include public locations. Women will be photographed individually feeding their baby as well as in groups chatting and playing. All photos will be discrete. We wish to educate the community about breastfeeding in public and the need to support breastfeeding mothers.

If you are interested in taking part, please telephone or email Yvette

Australian Breastfeeding Association
Office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 4pm
Suite 3/71 Robinson Street Dandenong VIC 3175
03 9791 4644
abavic@vic.chariot.net.au
www.abavic.asn.au

Expecting Twins or More?

2009-09-30T11:54:00.003+10:00

Did you know the Australian Breastfeeding Association runs specific Breastfeeding Education Classes (BECs) tailored to your needs?

Held at the Breastfeeding Centre in Dandenong, these dedicated classes cover all aspects of breastfeeding with two or more babies.

Please consider a class during your second trimester - ie between weeks 13 and 24. This is to allow for the mother's comfort and babies who arrive early. Of course, we are also happy to accommodate those further along than this!

Our final class for 2009 will be held on Saturday November 14th from 1pm to 5pm.

For full details visit our class calendar , where you will also find more information on our general breastfeeding classes.

READY

STEADY

GO!

Come and meet the Chinese Fellows!

2009-07-04T13:12:00.000+10:00

This week, special guests of the LRC are visiting Melbourne to learn about the great job we do supporting BF women and to learn more about how we do it.

Wednesday July 8 2009 Lunch at the Breastfeeding Centre – 12.30pm

All welcome to the drop in day to meet the visitors and take part in a discussion about what how ABA helps.

Lunch provided, please RSVP for catering purposes.

REVISED Professional photo shoot for ABA - NOW Friday June 5th during school hours :)

2009-05-25T14:32:00.004+10:00

Mothers of babies and toddlers in Melbourne (see below) are invited to a photo shoot with www.susandarcy.com.au to contribute images to the photo library of the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Where: Susan D’Arcy Photography 81 Poath Rd, Murrumbeena, 3163 p: 9568 1441

Who: mums to pose with their children in individual and group shots in the studio and in surrounding neighbourhood for images depicting the social aspects of ABA membership as well as general mothering and breastfeeding images for our library. Also photos of ABA slings in use for Mothers Direct.

When: Friday June 5th between 9.30 and 3pm, times by arrangement.

You will give full consent for the use of all images by the photographer and ABA and associates and will receive images on CD for personal use.

For more details, please contact Susan susan@susandarcy.com.au or Phone the Studio on 9568 1441

Expressions of interest for a second session based in and around the Breastfeeding Centre in Dandenong are also sought.

————————

Please forward this blog post to all your melbourne Mum friends.

If at all possible we are after mothers of different nationalities, race and colour.

If possible we would love a NEWBORN (preferably under 2 weeks old)

If possible we would love a grandmother to come along.

If possible we would love a dad to come along.

Pregnant and breastfeeding? then come along!

Breastfeeding a toddler? Breastfeeding a toddler and baby? Then we want you!

All offers to model welcome

May News from the Aust Breastfeeding Assoc

2009-05-05T14:40:00.003+10:00

Welcome to your newsletter from the Australian Breastfeeding Association!

In this edition:

Give your friends and family a gift subscription
Last chance to win a $15,000 shopping spree
Extended opening hours at Mothers Direct
Have you called the new Breastfeeding Helpline?
National Mothering Week May 4-10

Give a gift that shows you really care!

Flowers are lovely, but soon wilt. Baby clothes are cute but are soon outgrown (or never worn at all). In this time of economic uncertainty, give the new mums in your life a gift that will last. Give them a 12-month gift subscription to the Australian Breastfeeding Association!

This includes their free copy of our book 'Breastfeeding ... naturally', our magazine Essence sent direct to their home every two months, links to their local group activities, discounts on breast pump hire and shopping through Mothers Direct - all for only $65.

Click here to buy a gift subscription.

Last chance to win a $15,000 shopping spree!

The ABA's annual raffle ends on Mothers Day, May 10. This is your last chance to win one of the great prizes, including a $15,000 shopping spree, a $10,000 shopping spree and a plasma TV.

Tickets are available online (minimum purchase one book of 10 tickets) or through your local ABA group for just $2 per ticket.

Click here to buy your book of 10 tickets for $20 online.

Click here for your local ABA group contact details.

Please note: Under licencing laws WA residents are not permitted to buy tickets in the national raffle. To purchase tickets in the special WA raffle please contact Kirsten Tannenbaum onkirstentann@iinet.net.au or Karen Gonsalves on kazlmg@arach.net.au

Mothers Direct open longer

The Mothers Direct stores in Brisbane and Sydney are now both open from 9am-5pm each week day. Brisbane is also open 10am-3.30pm Saturdays.

Sydney - 4 McMullen Ave, Castle Hill
Brisbane - 2A/26 Eva Street, Coorparoo

And don't forget - ABA subscribers receive 10% discount at Mothers Direct!

Mothers Direct has a great selection of Mothers' Day specials available, both online and in-store. Visit the Mothers Direct website for details!

Have you called the new Breastfeeding Helpline?

The ABA's Breastfeeding Helpline number is now 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 2 686). This number is national and replaces the state-based helplines we had in the past. If you have trouble calling the new number and you are using VoIP/LIP technology (calling over the internet) please drop the last '6' and call 1800 68 62 68.

The Breastfeeding Helpline has been very busy since it was launched in March, which is fantastic. While the 1800 number is answered 24-hours, please consider our volunteer breastfeeding counsellors who are answering calls in their own homes and will be asleep overnight. They would really appreciate emergency/urgent calls only between 11pm and 7am!

National Mothering Week May 4-10

The Australian Breastfeeding Association celebrates National Mothering Week from May 4-10 each year. This year we celebrate 30 years of National Mothering Week, which started in 1979!

This year's theme mum2mum - across the generations celebrates mothers supporting each other across the generations - from mothers, to daughters and granddaughters.

Many ABA groups are holding events and activities in their local area for National Mothering Week. Contact your local group leader for more details. Click here to find your local group.

Beauty in the Every Day — Images of Breastfeeding Required

2009-04-27T11:50:00.000+10:00

Australian families are being encouraged to celebrate magic moments in breastfeeding by submitting photographs to the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s (ABA) tenth annual calendar.

Calendar project manager Barb Glare says, ‘With so much emphasis placed on issues like sleepless nights and sore nipples, we don’t often see the beautiful moments breastfeeding offers a mother and her new baby’.

‘The first time your baby looks up at you and gives you a milky smile; those special night feeds when it’s just the two of you together; or those times when you’re out and about and feel a huge sense of accomplishment when you calm an upset child with ‘mummy milk’. We want everyone to know that that’s what breastfeeding’s all about.’

The breastfeeding calendar seeks to present breastfeeding as the normal way of feeding a baby by promoting images of breastfeeding to the wider community. All profits from sales of the calendar support the work of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association. www.abavic.asn.au

‘Breastfeeding won’t be fully accepted as the normal way to feed babies and young children until it is something that is seen and talked about, rather than being hidden away’, says Ms. Glare.

Australia’s breastfeeding rates fall well below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Around 90% of Australian mothers initiate breastfeeding in hospital, but by 6 months, fewer than half of babies are still breastfeed.

The World Health Organization recommends that for optimal brain development mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first 6 months (no other foods or drinks are necessary) and gradually introduce solid foods from around 6 months. WHO also recommends mothers continue breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond, for as long as the mother and child desire.

Photo submissions showing babies of any age, stage and setting being breastfed can be sent to calendars@breastfeeding.asn.au by 20 May 2009. Low-resolution jpegs please.

Peer Support Training! Are you of Arabic, African, Vietnamese or Cambodian* heritage?

2009-01-20T11:27:00.002+11:00

Would you like to help mums like you learn to breastfeed their babies?

The Australian Breastfeeding Association and the City of Greater Dandenong are training peer support workers to teach breastfeeding and support mothers.

A two-day workshop will be held in Dandenong on Thursday February 26 9.30am – 3.00pm and Thursday March 5 9.30am – 3.00pm

To find out more phone Yvette 9791 4644 or Jan 9767 0816 or visit the Breastfeeding Centre

*Further training sessions for other groups will be run this year - please let us know if you would like to involved.

Breastfeeding Seminar Series

2008-12-10T10:41:00.002+11:00

The series features fantastic international and local speakers:

Dr Nancy E Wight (USA) Improving nutrition for NICU infants, Managing infant breastfeeding challenges: Hypoglycemia, jaundice & more!
Dr Dennis Spangler (USA)Development and prevention of allergies in the newborn
Amy Spangler (USA)Keeping it simple: What mothers need to know about breastfeeding, Health risk messages: The art of persuasion
Suzanne Colson (UK)Is breastfeeding a learnt skill? Don’t wake the Baby! Biological nurturing and self-attachment across the neonatal behavioural states
Randa Saadeh (Switzerland)Strategies to promote infant and young child feeding recommendations: Where do we stand? And where do we go from here? Scientific basis for the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding: Translating science into practical steps for BFHI
Barb Glare/Nerida May '1800 mum 2 mum' the Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline: Who’s calling and why?
Dr Donna Geddes Suck Swallow Breathe
Alicia Lynam / Heidi Jackson / Mayun Kompasouk / Yvette Defrenne Breastfeeding Education Classes: the impact of attendance on breastfeeding success
Sharon Perrella Breastfeeding is a confidence trick: or is it?
Dr Marnie Rowan Nipple pain: Is Staphylococcus Aureus the cause?
Maryse Bannon Experiencing D-Mer (Depressive Milk Ejection Reflex)

Registrations are open now! Click here to get more information or to register.

NEW! Our online seminar now includes 4 additional presentations!

Dr Nancy E Wight Improving nutrition for NICU infants
Dr Nancy E Wight Managing infant breastfeeding challenges: Hypoglycemia, jaundice and more!
Randa Saadeh Scientific basis for the Ten Steps to successful breastfeeding... translating science into practical steps for the BFHI
Randa Saadeh Strategies to promote infant and young child feeding recommendations: Where do we stand? And where do we go from here?

These 4 additional presentations are included FREE in the cost of your online seminar and extra CERPs will be awarded! Registrations are open now! For more information or to register click here.

Encourage your friends to subscribe to ABA this month and beat the 2009 price rise!

2008-12-02T15:32:00.001+11:00

The Australian Breastfeeding Association will increase the price of some of its subscriptions effective 1 January 2009. We have not had a price increase since 2003 and during the years since then the real costs of providing member services, including postage, stationery, printing and staff resources have increased significantly.

The annual individual subscription will be $65 ($50 concession). This continues to be wonderful value for money and we are pleased to announce that there will be no price increase on renewals.
The great news is that you can give a gift subscription or encourage your friends to subscribe during December at the existing price of $50 ($35 concession)!

Receive the ABA's book Breastfeeding ... naturally FREE

Bringing home your new baby is a time of great excitement, but it can also be a challenging time. Remember you're not alone when you go home. The Australian Breastfeeding Association is there to support you.

Subscribe and receive a copy of ABA's comprehensive book Breastfeeding ... naturally (usually $34.95). Yours to keep for ever, for FREE. This book contains all you need to know about breastfeeding your baby with confidence, including gorgeous photos and anecdotes from real mums. It's the perfect 'manual' for a new mum, and it also makes a great gift. Subscribe here.

Receive Pinky McKay's new book Toddler Tactics FREE
Well-known parenting author Pinky McKay's exciting new book Toddler Tactics has just been released - and you can get it free! Just renew your ABA subscription before 28 February 2009, and you will receive a FREE copy of Toddler Tactics, usually $24.95!

Being the parent of a toddler can be exciting, inspiring and exhausting - all at once! Your adorable little baby has now become a moving, grooving tot with attitude and it will take all your patience and skill to deal with these changes. Pinky McKay explains what to do at each stage of development and offers fuss-free advice on: · Communicating with your toddler· Discipline and good manners· Good eating habits· Routines for play and sleep· Toilet training· Family dynamics
Pinky McKay is the author of five parenting books, including Sleeping Like a Baby and Parenting By Heart, is a columnist for Practical Parenting magazine and a popular guest on television shows such as A Current Affair, The Today Show and Nine AM with Kim and David.This book tells you all you need to know about the next amazing stage of parenting. Renew your subscription here.

LRC Chat night - 10 December

2008-11-26T15:54:00.002+11:00

Featuring
Dr DAI Yaohua - Director/Professor, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing
Mr LU Ping - Vice President, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing
Dr ZHANG Shuyi – Research Fellow, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing

Date: Wednesday 10 December 2008
Time: 7.00 - 9.00pm

Where: Lighthouse - Ashburton Uniting Church Hall
3 Ashburn Grove (off High Street)
ASHBURTON (Melbourne metro) Melway 60 D10
Easy access from Monash Freeway; close to Ashburton Station, Alamein line
Cost: Gold coin donation
RSVP: 5th December at latest

Numbers are limited so book your place ASAP 9885 0855 or lrceducation@breastfeeding.asn.au
CERPs: Applied for

Talks for Parents with Pinky McKay

2008-11-25T10:53:00.002+11:00

Confused about baby sleep advice?

Concerned about the impact of baby sleep training regimes such as controlled crying?

Looking for gentle baby sleep and settling techniques that WORK?

Best selling baby sleep author, Pinky McKay presents a 'not to be missed' seminar for both parents and health professionals!

Sleep, Love and Your Baby's Brain
New evidence shows that some approaches to 'teaching babies to sleep' may cause long term, adverse changes to a baby's developing brain. Pinky McKay (author, Sleeping Like a Baby, 100 Ways to Calm the Crying, Internationally Certified Lactation Consultant and infant massage instructor), examines this evidence and offers gentle options to encourage infant sleep and settling that also promote optimum brain and emotional development, along with a secure parent-infant bond.
Babies welcome!

7.15 pm to 9pm Tuesday December 2ndDarebin GymbaROO, Darebin Community Sports Stadium857 Plenty Road, Reservoir/ Kingsbury ( Victoria - interstate seminars will follow) 7.15pm - 9pm Wednesday December 3rdBellyBelly Pregnancy Centre, Level 1/89 Canterbury Road, Canterbury ( Melbourne) Cost: $25 per person, $30 per couple
Includes supper

Register online NOW!!!

Or email pinkymckay@optusnet.com.au for registration forms to print and share

'Toddler Tactics' ....Making Magic From Mayhem!
Confused About Discipline?
Concerned About Your Toddler's Eating Habits?

Toilet Training Troubles? Pinky McKay is a mother of five, Internationally Certified Lactation Consultant and author of the bestselling TODDLER TACTICS. Breathe a sigh of relief in these informative talks designed to help you unravel all your toddler woes as Pinky shows you how to make magic from mayhem. · Learn practical strategies you can adapt right NOW to make parenting your toddler more enjoyable.

· Unleash your child's natural potential to be happy, bright and sociable without too many tears and tantrums (for you, as well as your child!) 7.30 - 9pm Tuesday November 25thDarebin GymbaROO, Darebin Community Sports Stadium857 Plenty Road, Reservoir/ Kingsbury 7.30 - 9pm Wednesday December 10thBellyBelly Pregnancy Centre, Level 1/89 Canterbury Road, Canterbury Cost: $25 per person, $30 per couple Register online NOW!!!

Or email pinkymckay@optusnet.com.au for registration forms to print and share

What's On Wednesday?

2008-11-14T10:35:00.002+11:00

Starting November 19, Wednesday is our new drop in day at the Breastfeeding Centre in Dandenong.

3/71 Robinson Street Dandenong VIC 3175 9791 4644

We welcome mothers, members and volunteers to visit, enjoy free tea and coffee, chat about breastfeeding, watch DVDs, browse our library and connect.

The kids come too and will love our play corner!

You are welcome to bring along some fruit or other healthy foods to share for morning tea/lunch.

We welcome mums from all suburbs and are located just 3 mins from Eastlink, very close to Princes Highway in Dandenong. Bring a friend or two!!!

Dates for the year are November 19, 26 and December 3, 10 and 17. Drop in is welcome between 10.30am and 3.30pm. We will resume in late January after the summer break.

Hoping to see lots of visitors!

There's someone new in your neighbourhood!

2008-10-16T15:20:00.000+11:00

The Australian Breastfeeding Association has a new breastfeeding centre in Dandenong!

We are pleased to announce our new office and breastfeeding centre is now open in Robinson Street Dandenong!

We offer a whole range of services for families across CGD and beyond, including:

· Breast pump hire
· Breastfeeding Education Classes
· Informal drop in for breastfeeding mothers and babies
· Culturally diverse resources and peer support training
· Baby Care Room, including private space for breastfeeding.
· Educational DVD and video viewing onsite
· Free breastfeeding information and resources
· Access to volunteer breastfeeding counsellors
· Friendly atmosphere for breastfeeding support and education

Our hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am and 4pm (closed for lunch from 12.30-1pm) and other times by arrangement. We look forward to increasing awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and creating a welcoming community through awards of Breastfeeding Welcome Here, Baby Care Room and Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Accreditation and will be working with local businesses and services to make Dandenong a Breastfeeding Friendly City.

Pop in and say hello, grab a tea or coffee and have a chat.

Yvette O'Dowd
Victorian Office Administrator
Australian Breastfeeding Association
Suite 3/71 Robinson Street Dandenong VIC 3175
03 9791 4644
0417 531 853
abavic@vic.chariot.net.au
www.abavic.asn.au

'nothing ARTificial breastmilk'

2008-08-14T12:56:00.000+10:00

'nothing ARTificial breastmilk'

CAGE @ South Kingsville Community Centre,
43 Paxton Street, South Kingsville 3015

August 1 September 12, 2008
Monday Thursday 9am 5pm
Friday 9am 3pm.

Exhibition inquiries: Michal 0403 365 532 or artopia@bigpond.com

Launch Date:

Saturday 16 August, 2008 4-6pm, a family friendly event - live music, face painting, balloons and the opportunity to buy any of over 100 unique breastfeeding themed artworks and a limited edition of badges.
RSVP: Rebecca 8307 0320 or email gelsi@optusnet.com.au

"Perinatal Depression: Strengthening recovery and building social capital"

2008-08-06T13:25:00.001+10:00

"Perinatal Depression: Strengthening recovery and building social capital"

PANDA presents this unique opportunity to share in the insights and inspiration from these two international speakers. Join us for a day of workshops, lectures and a networking lunch.

Tuesday 9th September 2008
Bayview on the Park, Queens Rd
Registration 10am
Conference 10.30am – 4pm

REGISTER NOW to avoid disappointment – registrations must close September 2nd 2008 unless sold out earlier

Jane Honikman, M.S., is a Parent Support Consultant/ Postpartum Specialist from Santa Barbara, California. In 1977, she co founded Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) and became the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Birth Resource Centre in 1984. She founded the Postpartum Support International (PSI) in 1987 as a result of hosting the first conference on Women’s Mental Health Following Childbirth held in Santa Barbara. She was PSI’s first President and operated the organization until 2004. Jane has authored many articles and educational materials on postpartum issues and support, including her books Step by Step (2000) and I’m Listening (2002). She continues to lecture internationally on the role of social support and the emotional health of families.

Elaine Hanzak is from the northwest of England, UK. She is the author of ‘Eyes without sparkle – a journey through postnatal illness’, which describes the events surrounding her family over a traumatic, four year period of recovery from postpartum psychosis. She speaks to a range of audiences, health professionals and students, in particular, to learn from her experiences, both positive and otherwise and to help shape the future services available to patients. She has had many appearances on UK national television, radio programmes, newspapers and magazines as the issues raised have promoted a great deal of discussion. Many who hear Elaine speak describe her presentations as moving, memorable, powerful, brave and very relevant to their practice. Her story is literally improving and saving lives.

"Perinatal depression: Strengthening recovery and building social capital” promises to be an unforgettable day of shared experiences, insights and exploration of the importance of social inclusion in the journey of recovery from perinatal depression.

For more information contact Louise Khanbashi on (03) 9481 3377 or email louise@panda.org.au

Media Release from RACGP for WBW!

2008-07-31T12:22:00.004+10:00

MEDIA RELEASE

BREASTFEEDING NEEDS SUPPORT

31 July 2008

International evidence shows that breastfeeding is best for babies, boosting their resistance to infection and diseases, and their growth and development. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is using World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from 1 - 7 August, to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and the role that general practitioners play in supporting mothers to breastfeed their babies. “Breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby in the first six months of life. Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed and we need to promote society-wide acceptance of breastfeeding wherever and whenever the baby needs to feed,” said Dr Vasantha Preetham, RACGP President and GP from Perth.
“Most women make their infant feeding decisions before or early in pregnancy. GPs can play an important role in providing mums-to-be and their partners with information on feeding from the first trimester onward,” said Dr Preetham.“The first few months of a baby’s life can be an anxious time for new parents and many women and their infants visit a GP a number of times in the first six months. This is a great opportunity for GPs to support mothers who are breastfeeding or who are keen to breastfeed. Doctors can discuss a number of issues to determine if breastfeeding is going well for the mother and baby including the number and length of feeds, general contentedness and weight gain, the baby’s urine and faecal output and whether there are nipple or breast problems,” said Dr Kelly Seach, RACGP Registrar Representative and breastfeeding mother. “Breastfeeding is not only healthy for the baby; it also has benefits for mothers. Breastfeeding helps a woman's body recover to its pre-pregnant state more quickly, and lactation (the production of breastmilk) protects against premenopausal breast cancer and osteoporosis. Psychological benefits for the mother and her infant when breastfeeding, encouraging close bonds, have also been recognised.“When mums return to work, support should be in place to enable them to take breaks, ideally with a private area where they are able to breastfeed their baby. “The RACGP Red Book, our guide to preventive activity in general practice, recommends that GPs encourage and support exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months, then the introduction of complementary foods and continued breastfeeding thereafter. It is recommended that breastfeeding continue until 12 months of age and thereafter as long as it suits the mother and the baby.
“It is important to note however, that there are women who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to breastfeed their babies. They also need their GP’s support and advice in relation to alternative feeding methods,” said Dr Seach. GPs can find more information about breastfeeding in the RACGP’s position statement on breastfeeding on the RACGP website:www.racgp.org.au/scriptcontent/policy/policydocs/Breastfeeding_Position_Statement.pdf

To read more about World Breastfeeding Week, please visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s website: www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is responsible for maintaining standards for quality clinical practice, education and training, and research in Australian general practice. The RACGP has the largest general practitioner membership of any medical organisation in Australia and represents the majority of Australia's general practitioners. Visit http://www.racgp.org.au/

For further media enquiries contact Jason Berek-Lewis, National Manager – Media and Communications tel: 0404 055 265 or Melanie Fontolliet, Media and Communications tel: 03 8699 0513.

Mother Support: Everyone Wins!

2008-07-26T15:11:00.002+10:00

Mothers in Victoria celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2008

As Australia’s athletes gear up for the summer Olympics in Beijing, mothers in Victoria join women in 120 countries in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week from 1–7 August.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme focuses on a mother’s need for support — much like that of an Olympic athlete.

Athletes combine determination and commitment with support from family, friends, trainers and government. Breastfeeding mothers need similar support to overcome misinformation and doubts about their ability to breastfeed. Confidence is important for both an athlete and a mother.

When a mother is supported and able to breastfeed everyone wins — the mother, the baby, the family, the health system and the environment.

Taking inspiration from the Olympic rings, the Australian Breastfeeding Association provides five important rings of support:
A 7-day telephone counselling Helpline
Friendly mother-to-mother encouragement and family support at local groups
An accreditation scheme for employers who support breastfeeding mothers at work
Education for health professionals, including access to the most up-to-date information through the Lactation Resource Centre
Advocacy at the government, legislative and general community levels regarding the importance of human milk and breastfeeding.

More information about World Breastfeeding Week is available at:

http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au

http://www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org

“Not Just Talk- How Can We Help Mothers to Exclusively Breastfeed?

2008-07-23T13:28:00.000+10:00

It has been estimated that globally, exclusive breastfeeding could reduce 13% of childhood deaths.

Each year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) promotes and celebrates World Breastfeeding Week. The theme for this years World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) is about supporting mothers to breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months.

In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, the Burnet Institute will host a half day symposium to provide an update on breastfeeding promotion, protection and support in developing countries.

The objectives of the symposium will be:
· To provide an update about the importance of support for exclusive breastfeeding in reaching the Millennium Development Goal for child survival (including in the context of HIV infection);
· To discuss the role of community level workers/peers in supporting women to breastfeed optimally in developing countries;
· To discuss the importance of male involvement in breastfeeding support, and strategies for engagement;
· To summarise and share existing evidence and resources around community level support for optimal breastfeeding;

Target Audience:
NGO project staff and advisers, academics, consultants, students of public health

When?
Friday August 8th 2008.
1.30 pm – 4.30 pm

Where?
Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne (Level 2 Training Room)

RSVP by Monday 4th August to Andrea Eakins.
Email: andrea@burnet.edu.au or Tel: 9282 2274

Accreditation brings family-friendly workplaces to life

2008-07-16T11:52:00.003+10:00

Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Accreditation (BFWA) is a consultancy service for employers provided by the Australian Breastfeeding Association

Through the accreditation process, BFWA assists employers to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers returning to work from maternity leave.

Employers are able to offer employment conditions which are appealing to mothers who are breastfeeding. This adds value to recruitment and retention strategies, demonstrates a commitment to employee health and wellbeing, promotes workplace diversity and equal employment opportunity and is aligned with corporate social responsibility.

Why accredit?

Gaining accreditation as a breastfeeding friendly workplace shows that you are serious about providing a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers at work and are committed to removing workplace barriers.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR GAINING ACCREDITATION
Helping breastfeeding employees return to work from maternity leave is not only demonstrating a supportive and caring approach, it makes good business sense. Through the accreditation process, we work closely with you to assist in establishing facilities and developing policies that support breastfeeding women to meet both their work and family commitments
Accreditation is an innovative way to meet organisational objectives:
Optimises recruitment and retention strategies
Promoting your status as an accredited breastfeeding-friendly workplace in recruitment advertising gives employees and potential candidates confidence about the quality of breastfeeding support provided in the workplace. Creating a supportive breastfeeding environment can deliver significant cost savings associated with improved retention rates, earlier return to work, duration of service and reduced recruitment and re-training costs.
Builds your reputation as a family-friendly employer
Formalising workplace policies through the accreditation process indicates a commitment to creating a workplace culture supportive of breastfeeding. It demonstrates transparency of process and shows you are serious about helping women balance work and family commitments. Typically, this is reciprocated through increased employee loyalty and motivation, resulting in improved productivity.

Enhances cost savings associated with a healthier, happier workforce
Research shows breastfed babies are healthier, so parents and carers require less time off work to care for sick children. Anecdotal evidence also suggests bottom-line benefits from reduced absenteeism, and minimising disruption to work flow. Accredited workplaces receive updates on the latest research to demonstrate how breastfeeding support in the workplace benefits employers and employees.

Demonstrates your commitment to equal opportunity and workplace diversity
By offering breastfeeding support in the workplace you're also promoting equal employment opportunity and enhancing your status as a socially responsible employer. Gaining accreditation from the ABA as a breastfeeding-friendly workplace reflects a commitment to the health and well-being of pregnant, potentially pregnant and breastfeeding employees.

Even if your organisation already has breastfeeding facilities for employees, accreditation will help promote and communicate what your workplace offers to staff and potential candidates. Our consultation services ensure that your workplace provides the right combination of time, space and support that allows mothers to balance their paid work with breastfeeding. Accreditation keeps the needs of breastfeeding mothers on the workplace agenda.

Let's get libraries hooked on our books!

2008-07-10T10:39:00.005+10:00

Children’s book week is the 16th - 22nd of August 2008.

Let's get libraries hooked on our books!

Libraries are a place where mothers and children often hang out - they have story reading and other activities and are an important part of our communities. It's great to keep their "breastfeeding section" up to date. So we are asking groups to consider buying their library a subscription to ABA for one year - so they can sample the great stuff ABA has to offer. It is our hope that they will find it something worth keeping up.

For $50 they will get a free copy of "Breastfeeding Naturally" and copies of Essence every 2 months. Coming soon will be a special place on the website where groups can order their subscription for their library. This will allow us to send BFN to you - you may want to make a special presentation to the library- may want to invite the local newspaper along.

Keep your eyes open for more information over the coming weeks

Feeding at Frankston Library - photo by Dez Rock

Nothing ARTificial breastmilk

2008-07-04T13:55:00.002+10:00

an exhibition @ CAGE Art Space, South Kingsville Community Centre -

Call for artists!

To celebrate World Breastfeeding week the Westgate Region of the Australian Breastfeeding Association is creating a vibrant installation. All media welcome, photos, fibre, digital, clay, text, collage, knitting, glass, painting and sculpture etc. The only limit is your imagination and a circle 16cm across, multiple works welcome. Entry is free, a small commission applies. Six works will be selected to feature on a limited edition of badges to raise funds for volunteer activities that support mother's, babies and their families in the West. Entries close July 25. The exhibition will run for 6 weeks from August 1. A family friendly launch event will be held on Saturday August 16, 3-7pm. Enquiries please contact Michal Teague on 03 9317 5176 or artopia@bigpond.com.

Breastfeed! Where did you do it today?

2008-07-02T11:28:00.003+10:00

The Manning/Great Lakes group is proud to announce a fantastic new photography competition open to everyone throughout Australia. First prize $100 and a viewer's choice prize of $50.The more that enter, the more prizes we will be able to have.

What sort of photos? We are accepting photos showing breastfeeding in public.

$5 entry fee for those submitted by mail (printed photo 6'x8' in size) or $8 entry fee to enter by emailing your photo (max 2MB) to ababec@hotmail.com (we will print it for you).

Please email Nicole if you would like a copy of the flyer and entry form. Details are also available on our group website http://www.mumsmilk.org/ (including entry form and terms and conditions of entry).

The photos will be showcased across the Manning and Great Lakes area during the month of August in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week.

So get clicking, you don't have long. Competition closes 1 August.

Please feel free to pass this information on to any you feel would love to get a chance to win!

AN INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING THE BREASTFEEDING MOTHER WORKSHOP

2008-06-26T14:14:00.004+10:00

Being held on Friday 8 August 2008 provided by the Lactation Resource Centre.This sensational educative Workshop is being held in Bendigo, Victoria. The aim of the workshop is to assist health professionals in developing their interactions around breastfeeding with mothers and their families. Open to all health professionals.

Contact - lrceducation@breastfeeding.asn.au

for more details.

Keeping Abreast in Victoria

Pregnancy, Babies and Children's Expo

Morning Tea for World Breastfeeding Week!

Noble Park photo shoot for breastfeeding promotion

Expecting Twins or More?

Come and meet the Chinese Fellows!

REVISED Professional photo shoot for ABA - NOW Friday June 5th during school hours :)

May News from the Aust Breastfeeding Assoc

Beauty in the Every Day — Images of Breastfeeding Required

Peer Support Training! Are you of Arabic, African, Vietnamese or Cambodian* heritage?

Breastfeeding Seminar Series

Encourage your friends to subscribe to ABA this month and beat the 2009 price rise!

LRC Chat night - 10 December

Talks for Parents with Pinky McKay

What's On Wednesday?

There's someone new in your neighbourhood!

'nothing ARTificial breastmilk'

"Perinatal Depression: Strengthening recovery and building social capital"

Media Release from RACGP for WBW!

Mother Support: Everyone Wins!

“Not Just Talk- How Can We Help Mothers to Exclusively Breastfeed?

Accreditation brings family-friendly workplaces to life

Let's get libraries hooked on our books!

Nothing ARTificial ­ breastmilk

Breastfeed! Where did you do it today?

AN INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING THE BREASTFEEDING MOTHER WORKSHOP

Nothing ARTificial breastmilk