Breastfeeding welcome in Hobsons Bay

Published on 23 July 2021

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A Breastfeeding Welcome campaign, designed to raise awareness of breastfeeding-friendly public spaces, will launch during National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, Sunday 1 August to Saturday 7 August.

Hobsons Bay businesses are invited to display a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ sticker which in turn will demonstrate that staff and management have a welcoming attitude to parents who may need to breastfeed their baby.

As part of the campaign, Council’s Maternal and Child Health Nurses will also hold a Facebook Live Q&A for parents in Hobsons Bay on breastfeeding on Tuesday 3 August from 10am to 11am.

The panel will include Maternal Child Health Nurse Jane Howard, local physiotherapist Alex Lopes from Melbourne Pelvic Health (Circle) and local breastfeeding counsellor Melanie Frodsham from the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

In addition to routine Maternal and Child Health appointments, breastfeeding support services are available at:

  • Altona Early Years Hub on Mondays from 1pm to 4pm, 103B Grieve Parade Altona (please ring 9932 1300 to book or talk to your local nurse)
  • Russell Court MCH Centre on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 4pm, 10 Russell Court, Altona Meadows (call 9932 1300 to book)
  • Australian Breastfeeding Association on 1800 686 268

Council has also recently produced a breastfeeding video starring five local mums and one dad.

While acknowledging the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother and baby, the Maternal and Child Health service also provides support for parents who are unable to breastfeed or decide to use formula.

For more information about breastfeeding support in Hobsons Bay, including the video, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/MCH

Businesses can sign up for the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome’ sticker by emailing mchinbox@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or filling out an online form at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/BreastfeedingWelcome

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Jonathon Marsden:

“All parents should feel safe and comfortable feeding their babies in public. We want to make it clear that breastfeeding is welcome in all Hobsons Bay facilities including libraries, community centres, meeting rooms, sporting facilities and playgrounds.

“We are inviting businesses to do the same, from baby-friendly cafes and restaurants to waiting areas for clients. When parents see the Breastfeeding Welcome sticker, they can be reassured that they are in a safe, non-judgemental space.

“It is hoped that initiatives such as the Breastfeeding Welcome campaign and Council resources, like the recently produced video starring local parents, as well as breastfeeding support drop-in sessions and routine Maternal and Child Health check-ups, will ensure parents will feel confident and safe feeding their babies in public and will ultimately lead to increased breastfeeding rates in Hobsons Bay.” 

 

 

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