During Breastfeeding Awareness Week (1 – 7 August) South Eastern Sydney Illawarra
Health (SESIH) midwives and child & family nurses will be highlighting the
importance of breastfeeding.
Staff will be offering continued support for mothers to achieve the recommended
standard of infant feeding: breastfeeding exclusively for six months, and providing
appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding for up to two years,
and beyond.
Southern Hospital Network Manager for Women’s and Babies’ Health, Deborah Cameron,
said that staff promote, support and encourage breastfeeding of all newborn babies.
“Evidence shows that there is a greater success of breastfeeding when at birth
all women are encouraged to have ‘skin to skin’ contact with their newborn within
the first half hour following birth.
“This helps to keep the newborn warm, less stressed and calmer which assists to
achieve an optimal breastfeeding experience.
“For those mothers who have had a planned caesarean birth, a ‘breastfeed in recovery’
program is available whereby a midwife will be with the mother in the recovery room
to assist her to attach the newborn baby within the first half hour of its life,” she said.
Breastfeeding Support Drop-In Groups are also available in the Illawarra and provide families
with the information and support to maintain breastfeeding once they take their baby home.
At the Groups child and family health nurses provide practical ideas, answer questions and
assist mothers with breastfeeding issues.
“Women are encouraged to breastfeed at the Drop-In Groups offered to increase
their confidence and obtain tips and support from other women,” she said.
Breastfeeding Support Drop-In Groups are held at the Community Health Centres at
Albion Park, Fairy Meadow and Horsley. For information contact your nearest
Child and Family Health Clinic under Community Health Centres in the white pages.
Media/photo opportunity: Midwives and child and family nurses from Shoalhaven will be
taking part in family friendly activities at the Nowra Family Care Cottage in Berry
Street on Tuesday 4 August (11am – 1pm).
A mother and baby, supported by a male midwife breastfeeding specialist, will be
available for photo/interview at Wollongong Hospital.
Media enquiries: Maxine Brennan, 9113 2601, 0422 003 764
