World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated across the globe from 1 to 7 August every year, in a bid to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of our babies.

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This year’s theme  ‘Protect breastfeeding: a shared responsibility’ means we all have a part to play, says WellSouth health promotion specialist Jo O’Connor. That means friends, family, employers, communities, health systems and government.

There are a number of different ways we can support mums and babies this week here in Central Otago.

Coming up on 4 August, Central Cinema will be screening Dream Horse, a combined Central Cinema and Mums4Mums event.

“Isn’t it great our local community cinema is providing a family-friendly environment, limiting ticket sales so there’s ample space for wandering toddlers.

“Breastfeeding mums will be welcome plus there’s now a change table should parents need to use it”.

WellSouth and Mums4Mums will provide morning tea from 10am, then Dream Horse will screen at 10:30am for mums, dads, babies and toddlers. 

For those that just want to drop by for a chat, peer supporters will be there until noon providing the usual relaxed chat and ongoing cuppas as they do each first and third Wednesday of every month at Alexandra Baptist Church.

Central Otago has a network of trained peer supporters who are there for our whānau. They are volunteers, trained and supported by WellSouth across our region to provide non-judgmental support and information on the normal course of breastfeeding, overcoming common barriers and breastfeeding challenges. 

​​Peer support counsellors are mums themselves, who have trained locally and support other mums, Jo says.

“This system of support is here because we know it takes a village to raise a child,”

Peer supporter Nicola Rae is one of those volunteering her time to help mothers and families.

“Breastfeeding might be natural,” she says, “but it doesn’t just naturally happen.

“Support from friends and whānau is invaluable in helping mums and babies make breastfeeding work.”

Breastfeeding may be natural, but doesn’t always happen naturally.

Peer support and Mums4Mums coordinator Kylie Murdoch says there will be a number of virtual events streaming via the Big Latch On Aotearoa social media.

“Support for mums is so much wider than just breastfeeding, and these virtual events give mums access to some great information.”

Kylie says Tuesday’s event will be a live-streamed ‘Ask me Anything’ session with Karen Palmer, a neonatal nurse, midwife, and lactation consultant. 

Jo pointed to the many ways all of us can take part in World Breastfeeding Week and support our mums.

If you are a friend – nurture mum. Make meals or do housework so mum can focus on cuddling her baby and breastfeeding, or mind the other little ones so mum can actually get some rest.

If you are an employer – have a conversation with your staff before they go on parental leave. Ensure they understand that you support them breastfeeding when they return to work. Provide a private space for them to breastfeed or express and provide flexible break times.

Supporting families to meet their breastfeeding goals also helps our environment, Jo says. 

“Breast milk is a natural, renewable food produced and delivered without pollution, packaging or waste.

“Breast milk is the perfect food for babies; not only is it free, it’s all a baby needs to eat and drink for about the first 6 months. 

“It helps to protect baby against colds, tummy bugs, infections and allergies”.  

Supporting breastfeeding, Jo says, is a shared responsibility. It does take a village.

For information about the Big Latch-On virtual events, click here.

Images supplied