With more than 3,000 babies born on the Central Coast each year and close to 90 per cent of new mothers planning to breastfeed, the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) has introduced new online breastfeeding education sessions to give support and information to families.
Breastfeeding Education Live (BEL) interactive webinars are led by qualified breastfeeding educators and cover such topics as how to position and attach baby to the breast, reading baby’s cues and signs that baby is getting enough milk.
They also contain information on resources and support for when the baby arrives.
The webinars are especially timely, with many other services closed due to COVID-19.
“A lot of expectant parents have never held a baby, let alone seen one being breastfed,” ABA spokesperson Nerida Carter said.
“‘Many have missed out on the traditional learning through the generations.
“That’s why it’s so important that they have access to the kind of prenatal education that ABA is providing.”
Carter said prior to COVID-19 the association conducted face to face meetings and classes.
Meetings were quickly diverted online and the 90-minute webinars are designed to fill the gap created by the suspension of face-to-face classes.
“Online sessions are different from face-to-face interaction, but they have many benefits,” she said.
“Many enjoy attending BELs from the comfort of their own home.
“They are able to ask questions and interact with other expectant parents in a small group.
“The aim is to empower expectant parents and give them the confidence they need to breastfeed their baby.”
Carter said there were 75 association members on the Coast, a third of whom are trained volunteers.
BELs are held on weekends and some weeknights.
Registration is through the ABA website and sessions cost $20 for ABA members and $125 for non-members.
For details email: actnswoffice@breastfeeding.asn.au.
Terry Collins