To mark World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7, Orange Health Service's Child and Family Health Nursing (CFHN) team is launching a project to enhance the experience of breastfeeding women and their families and create more supportive environments.
Anthea Brand, Orange Health Service Primary and Community Health Manager, said enhanced infrastructure, support and resources for the community are central to the project, which also provides development and training opportunities for nursing staff to upskill.
"One of the key principles of the project is to continue raising awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, but we are also committed to ensuring we provide the best possible experience and support to our breastfeeding mothers and their families," Ms Brand said.
"One key initiative is the refurbishment of the baby care room in our Community Health Hub. We are transforming the space to be brighter and more comfortable, but also to provide a quiet space with plenty of privacy.
"We are improving signage so parents visiting the hospital can more easily find the room, and including space and activities to keep toddlers entertained while mothers breastfeed or express breastmilk.
"Another big focus of the refurbishment is also to ensure the room is accessible and appropriate for staff members who are returning to work from parental leave.
"The refurbishment was made possible by a generous donation from the Premi-Babes Association of Orange and we can't thank them enough. We're thrilled to launch the breastfeeding project to help mark World Breastfeeding Week."
Ms Brand said two Child and Family Health Nurses are completing lactation consultant training as part of the project, while several policies supporting breastfeeding initiatives are being reinvigorated.
"Our new lactation consultants will be able to support mothers through breastfeeding assessments, to better identify and address any concerns," Ms Brand said.
"They will also use their expertise to upskill their nursing colleagues and allied health staff across maternity and early childhood teams.
"The CFHN team will also continue to work with community organisations as part of the project, including promoting appropriate and welcoming breastfeeding spaces all over our community."
In conjunction with the project, Western NSW Local Health District has developed a new digital space to provide more information and resources on breastfeeding support across the region.
