HORSHAM has hosted its first Australian Breastfeeding Association meeting in six years, with counsellors and new mums hoping to restart the support network.
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Association members and friends, with their babies, toddlers and preschoolers, met on October 14.
The group now has five trainees, three in Horsham and two further afield, making it practical to start running discussion meetings again.
Western Victoria Group leader and breastfeeding counsellor Emma Fry and group trainee Zoe Mayes led the discussion on ‘Breastfeeding: busting myths and overcoming common breastfeeding hurdles’.
Breastfeeding counsellor Kate Walsgott said mothers and counsellors were delighted to see
“It's fantastic to have an association discussion meeting in Horsham again,” she said.
“Many mothers find group meetings to be a great opportunity to network with other women experiencing similar problems, and also to share their positive experiences of breastfeeding and raising a family with other like-minded people.”
“Often simple reassurance is what mothers need the most.”
The group was renamed for western Victoria after the Horsham group folded.
Western Victoria Group covers the major areas of Horsham, Ararat, Warracknabeal and extends up to Cohuna and west to the South Australian Border.
Because of the large geographical area, for the last few years members have relied on group emails and social media for contact, with the group being led by counsellors living outside the area.
Ms Fry said nothing beat face-to-face meetings.
“I have been so well supported by my peers in the association in this region,” she said.
“I am really pleased that we can bring these benefits back to breastfeeding mums in Horsham and the wider Wimmera area.
“I am really passionate about breastfeeding, but most of all I love encouraging other mothers and supporting them to achieve their breastfeeding goals. I have really enjoyed meeting the women that I have been exchanging emails and messages with over the last few months.”
The group has planned for further discussion meetings later this year and next year.
For more information visit www.breastfeeding.asn.au, or phone Ms Fry on 03 5562 1121.