This week is World Breastfeeding Week and Wodonga Council's Maternal Child Health nurses are here to help women breastfeed.
The theme of this year is Protect Breastfeeding: a shared responsibility. The theme reflects on how breastfeeding contributes to the survival, health and wellbeing of all.
The theme also acknowledges that although support at the individual level is very important, breastfeeding must be considered a public health issue that requires investment at all levels. The concept of 'building back better' after the COVID-19 pandemic will provide an opportunity to create a warm chain of support for breastfeeding that includes health systems, workplaces and communities at all levels of society.
The Wodonga Maternal and Child Health Team provides breastfeeding support for families attending our service through education, information and advice at routine MCH appointments, through additional one on one support when required, through education at our First Time Parents Group, and focused support through our Baby Hub Breastfeeding Support service.
All breastfeeding support through the MCH service is provided free of charge.
Team Leader Maternal and Child Health Nicole Byrne said Wodonga MCH had six nurses who were Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) management of breastfeeding.
"Our MCH consultants work in a variety of settings, providing leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research for breastfeeding mothers," she said.
"MCH nurses are highly qualified and work to actively encourage and support mothers at all stages of their journey through motherhood and breastfeeding.
"Mums and bubs can attend for support, advice and information on any aspect of breastfeeding. No appointment in necessary, you can just drop in."
The Wodonga MCH service provides free (time limited) access to breast pumps.
"We work in collaboration with other local breastfeeding support services such as the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Albury Wodonga Health and the Parents and Babies Service," Ms Bryne said.
"We know it can be a stressful time for mothers and this drop-in service offers a great place for mothers to get free, accurate information and support with breastfeeding."
Breastfeeding Awareness Week runs until August 7.
