By Alesha Capone
Two Wyndham women are helping mothers struggling with breastfeeding.
Wyndham Vale’s Sharon Phillips and Renee Emerson, of Werribee, volunteer for the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
The 24-hour helpline, which is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, is run by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) and entirely staffed by volunteers.
Both women are qualified breastfeeding counsellors, having completed a certificate IV in breastfeeding education.
“We get a large variety of calls – about brand-new babies, trouble-shooting, mastitis, sore nipples, weaning and other matters,”
Mrs Emerson said.
“We tell mums that breastfeeding is natural, normal and beautiful, but it is a learned skill and often you need support.
“It’s just so rewarding, getting off the phone and knowing you have made a difference to someone’s day.”
Ms Phillips said that sometimes the helpline got calls from mothers and fathers who were in hospital just after a baby’s birth. She said the helpline received calls from across Australia.
“Mums find it pretty amazing – we are in Melbourne and we can talk to mums in Perth and Darwin,” she said.
Ms Phillips said that the ABA held breastfeeding education classes, including at the Arndell Park Community Centre in Truganina.
This year’s Truganina classes will be held on May 25, August 24 and November 23.
Bookings are essential – call 9791 4644 or email vicadmin@breastfeeding.asn.au.
The National Breastfeeding Helpline number is 1800 686 268.
