Goya Dmytryshchak
Hobsons Bay businesses are being invited to display a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ sticker on their shop fronts.
The council’s Breastfeeding Welcome campaign aims to raise awareness of breastfeeding in public during National Breastfeeding Awareness Week from August 1-7.
Hobsons Bayl’s Maternal and Child Health nurses will hold a live Facebook Q&A for parents on August 3 from 10-11am.
The panel will include nurse Jane Howard, physiotherapist Alex Lopes and breastfeeding counsellor Melanie Frodsham.
Breastfeeding support services are available at:
Altona Early Years Hub on Mondays from 1-4pm
Russell Court Maternal and Child Health Centre in Altona Meadows on Wednesdays from 1.30-4pm
Australian Breastfeeding Association on 1800 686 268
The council has produced a breastfeeding video starring five local mums and one dad.
Its MCH service also provides support for parents unable to breastfeed or using formula.
Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden said “all parents should feel safe and comfortable feeding their babies in public”.
“We want to make it clear that breastfeeding is welcome in all Hobsons Bay facilities, including libraries, community centres, meeting rooms, sporting facilities and playgrounds.
“We are inviting businesses to do the same, from baby-friendly cafes and restaurants to waiting areas for clients.
“When parents see the Breastfeeding Welcome sticker, they can be reassured that they are in a safe, non-judgemental space.
“It is hoped that initiatives such as the Breastfeeding Welcome campaign and council resources, like the recently produced video starring local parents, as well as breastfeeding support drop-in sessions and routine Maternal and Child Health check-ups, will ensure parents will feel confident and safe feeding their babies in public and will ultimately lead to increased breastfeeding rates in Hobsons Bay.”
For more information about breastfeeding support in Hobsons Bay, including the video, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/MCH
Businesses can sign up for the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ sticker by emailing mchinbox@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or filling out a form at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/BreastfeedingWelcome
