Hi everyone,
Welcome to ABA’s monthly news on breastfeeding and lactation.
As I write this, bushfires are again burning across Australia and a hot, dry summer is predicted. After the catastrophic bushfires of 2019/2020, funding for research and the development of strategies, policies and resources was available and ABA received a generous grant from the Australian Government. The ABA team studied the experiences of evacuating mothers and caregivers of babies and young children and the emergency responders who cared for them. ABA now has a growing collection of resources from the project which are freely available. For those wanting to take a deep dive into the experiences of mothers, caregivers and emergency responders, you can read the full Babies and Young Children in the Black Summer (BiBS) Study.
In May 2023, ABA and many other breastfeeding advocates participated in another consultation process which reviewed the suitability of the MAIF Agreement to:
- ensure safe and adequate nutrition for babies
- encourage breastfeeding as the first option for babies
- ensure caregivers make informed decisions, and
- ensure the proper use of breast milk substitutes.
The MAIF Agreement is part of Australia’s weak response to the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. ABA eagerly awaits the public release of the outcome of the review which was meant to happen in July 2023. ABA is concerned that the delay in the release of the review will mean that another application to extend the MAIF Agreement will be sought by the Infant Nutrition Council (INC) before the results of the review are made public and can’t be acted upon.
ABA’s Annual Health Professional Seminar Series returns in 2024. The online speakers are busily recording their presentations for you, me included. I will be speaking on how breastfeeding supports optimal, long-term health outcomes for women. This is vital information for women, and they have a right to know. Karleen Gribble will also be speaking on what needs to be done to protect babies and toddlers in disasters. Her work exposes the desperate need to support mothers, caregivers, babies and toddlers when they at their most vulnerable and, importantly, she offers solutions. Early bird registration for ‘Breastfeeding: nurturing, nutrition’ opened in November. For more information, click here.
And finally, just a reminder that ABA’s book for mothers Breastfeeding: a practical guide (previously Breastfeeding…naturally) has had a complete revamp. All the evidence has been reviewed and updated as required, the language has been simplified and it has been given a fresh new look. Importantly, the information on engorgement, localised breast inflammation and mastitis has been updated. Health professionals can buy hard copies or a downloadable version of the book at ABA’s Marketplace.
It has been another busy year, and we thank you all for your ongoing support,
Susan Tawia
Breastfeeding Researcher and Health Professional Educator
Learning and Innovation Team
