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This article was published on Monday, 29 July, 2019. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council encourages parents to seek help this World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) runs from 1-7 August annually and aims to empower parents and to protect, promote and support breastfeeding worldwide.

During WBW in 2019, Greater Shepparton’s Breastfeeding Project Officer, Kristie Welch, is encouraging parents – including expectant parents – to seek help and advice regarding their breastfeeding journey.

“No matter what your feeding concern may be, there are support services to assist you,” she said.

“A simple phone call can be the start of getting some help and support.”

Mrs Welch said there a number of free services in Greater Shepparton for parents to utilise, including:

A Breastfeeding Drop-in Service hosted by Council at Riverside Plaza fortnightly on Thursdays. This session gives parents an opportunity to access support and guidance from a Maternal and Child Health Nurse.
A Lactation Clinic hosted by Goulburn Valley Health. The clinic is in a comfortable, home-like environment with couches and recliner chairs in the lounge room, a kitchen to heat up meals and a room for private consultation with lactation consultants. The service is accessible on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week.
A phone line from the Australian Breastfeeding Association which offers 24-hour support by trained volunteer counsellors. To access this parents can call 1800 686 268.

Mrs Welch said breastfeeding is a healthy option for infants and children, and that it is a learnt skill, which at times requires support and guidance.

“Greater Shepparton is striving to be a breastfeeding friendly city - where parents can find the support they need to successfully breastfeed, and find comfortable places to breastfeed.

“We want to be a place where professionals come to participate in high quality breastfeeding education, a place where workplaces are encouraged to support breastfeeding, and a place where community members and breastfeeding professionals work together.”

Greater Shepparton is home to a variety of different support services for parents to access during their journey, click here for more information.