The first week of August will be a big deal for the Wyndham Breastfeeding Drop-In Centre.
It will mark three years since the centre opened its doors, and it also happens to be World Breastfeeding Week.
The drop-in centre, developed by Wyndham council, provides support for families with breastfeeding babies. More than 2100 local families have used the service since it opened.
Council youth portfolio-holder Marie Brittan says the centre, staffed by maternal health specialists, has been successful in providing reassurance and support to breast- feeding families.
“Since it opened in 2013, this centre has gone from strength to strength,” she said.
“It’s now open five days a week and more than 2100 families have benefited from its services.
“Breastfeeding has so many positive benefits for mothers and their babies. It helps them create a bond and gives children a healthy start to life.”
Maternal health nurse Sue Newman said breastfeeding could be stressful for some mothers and the centre could help.
“For some families, the breastfeeding drop-in is just a friendly and comfortable environment to assist them,” she said.
The theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is exploring the link between breast- feeding and sustainable development.
Reducing poverty and hunger and tackling gender inequality are among topics that will be in the spotlight.
The centre is at the Sister Rita Douglas Centre in Werribee and open Monday to Friday from 1.30-4pm.
Details: wyndhamchildandfamilydirectory.com.au/youthdirectory/service/index/id/3
