Breast is best – that’s the message Hunter New England Health is hoping mums and dads will hear this week, Breastfeeding Awareness Week (1-7 August).

Lower Mid North Coast Child and Family Nurse/Lactation Consultant Deb Noakes said breastfeeding is the best start a family can give to their baby’s life, and a way of warding off debilitating illness such as influenza.

“Breastfeeding is a key way that mothers can protect their babies against all strains of influenza and respiratory infections this winter,” Ms Noakes said.

“When a mother is exposed to illness, like the flu, she develops antibodies against the strain of infection which are in turn passed onto the baby during breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding is not only the most appropriate nourishment for a baby, it also has many other important benefits - and it’s free! So it’s important to keep breastfeeding your child for as long as possible.”
While women living in the Hunter New England Health region are among the best in the state at starting and maintaining breast feeding, it is important that more families realise the benefits of the practice and more importantly how to get help if they experience difficulty.

“We know that most NSW mothers - more than 90 per cent - begin to breastfeed after giving birth, but about half of all NSW mothers stop by the time their baby is about six months old,” Ms Noakes said.

“In Australia, it is recommended that as many infants as possible be exclusively breastfed until six months of age and ideally breastfed until the child turns one.

“It’s important that families know they always have somewhere to turn if they find it hard to continue breastfeeding their baby.”

Breastfeeding guidance can also be given by your local lactation consultant, midwife, child and family health centre or your doctor.

More information and guidance about breastfeeding can also be found by calling the Australian Breastfeeding Association on 1800 686 2 686 (1800 MUM 2 MUM). You can also go to www.breastfeeding.asn.au.

Contact: Tanya Carlyle, Communication Officer

Phone: (02) 49 392 602