The Armidale Group of The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) celebrated babies and the very special place they have in our community by participating in the ABA’s Breastfeeding Friendly Communities’ national Baby’s Day Out weekend on October 29-30. This year’s theme was ‘Join In! ’
The National Baby’s Day Out event was created after a survey taken in 2009 found that one in four Australians find breastfeeding in public unacceptable.
Mothers can often feel anxious about going out with their babies. Baby’s Day Out is a way for the whole community to show some support for mothers and babies and is designed to celebrate our babies’ place in the community and their right to be breastfed anywhere, anytime.
In Australia, breastfeeding is a right and mothers do not have to ask permission to breastfeed their baby. Breastfeeding is a normal way to provide nourishment to a baby and anyone discriminating against breastfeeding mothers is breaking the law.
According to Alannah Shore, Manager of Breastfeeding Friendly Communities, over 90 per cent of Australian women leave hospital breastfeeding babies. Unfortunately, lack of support and the over sexualisation of breasts in our society can make it very difficult for new mothers to feel comfortable breastfeeding their babies out in the community.
Just as we socialise when we eat, babies should not have to hide away to eat, in the toilets, for example.
One of the great advantages of breastfeeding is that it is very convenient. Breast milk is always available at the right temperature. There are no problems with hygiene and it is free.
For mothers who do not feel comfortable breastfeeding in public, there are some strategies that can help:
nWear shirts or tops that lift up. They can be more discreet than pull down or button up tops;
nWear maternity bras that are easy to open and close with one hand;
nSome mothers like to cover their baby with lightweight fabric. This may also help with an easily distracted baby;
nFeeding your baby when they show early hunger signs (sucking hands, tongue going in and out) and before they cry, draws less attention;
nHave your partner or a friend with you for support;
nSit in a corner or wall-facing seat at a cafe or restaurant;
nPractise at home in front of a mirror. You may be surprised at how little can be seen.
For more information, go to the Australian Breastfeeding Association website www.breastfeeding.asn.au
For Armidale group meeting dates and venues, or counselling, phone Armidale Group Leader and Breastfeeding Counsellor, Helen Wicks on 02 6772 5698.
