This year's World Breastfeeding Week
(WBW) theme, 'BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT: CLOSE TO MOTHERS', highlights
Breastfeeding Peer Counselling.
Even when mothers are able to get off to a good
start, all too often in the weeks or months after delivery there is a sharp
decline in breastfeeding rates, particularly exclusive breastfeeding.
The
period when mothers do not visit a healthcare facility is the time when a
community support system for mothers is essential. Continued support to sustain
breastfeeding can be provided in a variety of ways. Traditionally, support is
provided by the family. As societies change, however, in particular with
urbanization, support for mothers from a wider circle is needed, whether it is
provided by trained health workers, lactation consultants, community leaders,
or from friends who are also mothers, and/or from fathers/partners. If you are
a new or experienced mum and have friends who are struggling with breastfeeding
– offer them your personal success story, tell them what helped you, encourage
them to seek support via the Australian Breastfeeding Association or a private
lactation consultant. The benefits are huge for mother, baby, partners and our
future generation.
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