BREASTFEEDING advocates say the launch of a drop-in centre in Wyndham will provide young mothers with a place to seek help.
Wyndham council has opened a drop-in centre at Werribee’s Sister Rita Douglas Kindergarten in the hope of encouraging more mums to breastfeed.
Latest health statistics show breastfeeding rates in Wyndham have fallen below the state average, with fewer than 50 per cent of mums continuing to breastfeed once their baby is three months old.
Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) guidelines recommend that mothers continue breastfeeding until their baby reaches at least six months.
The council says the centre – which will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – will allow mums to seek face-to-face advice from a maternal and child-health nurse, lactation consultants and breastfeeding counsellors.
ABA spokeswoman Jessica Leonard said the centre would be an important source of information and support.
“Drop-in centres are really helpful, particularly for young mums because they know there is somewhere to go for help to get through the hard times and get information,” she said.
Ms Leonard said some mums gave up on breastfeeding because they found it difficult, did not have social or cultural support or did not know where to get help.
For more details about the drop-in centre, phone 9742 8148.
