This project will provide sponsored places at Breastfeeding Education Live sessions and 12 months ongoing support via membership for up to 15 women in the Eurobodalla Council area and additional funds to allow the group to provide face to face group meetings.
Michelle Mitchell, Group Leader Eurobodalla Australian Breastfeeding Association said ‘Pregnancy and childbirth is an exciting and hopeful time, but also a time when expectant parents need timely access to accurate information and skilled support. Right now there are limited support services for expectant or new parents in the Eurobodalla shire, including no publicly available face to face or online antenatal classes. ‘
‘After the extreme bushfire conditions of 2019/20, many expectants or new families have been left feeling vulnerable and traumatised; their need for support greater than ever. But just as we were getting our heads around the task of bushfire recovery, the COVID19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in a completely different way.’
‘Online sessions are different from face-to-face interaction but they have many benefits.’ says Margaret Grove, ABA President. ‘Many enjoy attending BELs from the comfort of their own home. They are able to ask questions and interact with other expectant parents in a small group.’
‘The aim is to empower expectant parents and give them the confidence they need to breastfeed their baby.’
'Breastfeeding is a useful tool for emergency preparedness as it does not require water electricity or other equipment, reducing the need for breastfeeding families to rely on services during emergencies. As we start looking ahead to this year’s bushfire season, many families will be wanting to prepare their bushfire plans earlier, especially those welcoming babies soon.
'Pregnant women who are interested in accessing Breastfeeding Education Live through this project should complete the following short survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EABSE
