Children’s week is 19 to 27 October

This year’s theme is: Children have the right to a clean and safe environment. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is joining the celebration by promoting safe places where breastfeeding is welcome.

Our plan focuses on an important part of child and mum health – ensuring there are safe places to breastfeed in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. By supporting these breastfeeding-friendly places, ABA wants to make sure mums feel comfortable and confident feeding their babies.

Free Event: Live panel discussion on Tuesday, 22 October at 7:30 pm: My baby goes to early childhood care – what can I expect?

Also a special offer from ABA from 19 to 31 October offering a discount for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) recognition programme.

Why are you receiving this information as a health professional?

We would love you to share this information with your professional and general contacts as you see appropriate!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

ABA is hosting a FREE Breastfeeding Preparation Session online on Wednesday, 23 October: Down Syndrome – your guide to breastfeeding.  Mums can learn about getting started with breastfeeding and what to expect as well as where to go for help and support. More details and registration page HERE.

ABA also offers a FREE eLearning Module package about providing breastfeeding support for babies with Down syndrome. By completing this package, you will increase your understanding of what Down syndrome is, the challenges that the mother and her baby with Down syndrome might face with breastfeeding and more. Find out more about this eLearning module HERE.

SAVE THE DATE: Bushfire Emergency Resources will be launched at a FREE WEBINAR on Thursday, 14 November from 7 pm. Details to follow.

HP Survey WINNERS!

Health Professional surveys were conducted in April to June this year and we were delighted to offer one prize for a randomly selected professional member and professional eNewsletter subscriber who completed the survey.

And here are the winners!

Professional Membership winner Chrissy Mackinnon lives and works in Crystal Brook in South Australia. Chrissy works as a lactation consultant at a medical centre after many years of working in a number of midwifery roles at the local health service. Chrissy won an ABA Midwife Bundle valued at $110.

ABA Health Professional bundles are specially curated for your clinical practice needs and include resources to share with breastfeeding mums and families.

Professional eNewsletter subscriber winner Jessica Kalve works as a practice midwife within an obstetrician practice in Melbourne. Jessica won a 12-month ABA professional membership and told us she is excited to get her copy of ABA’s Essence magazine to display proudly in her midwife rooms. You can read more about ABA Professional Membership HERE.

A big thanks to everyone who took the time to participate in our Health Professional surveys. The information from these surveys is already helping us to plan for our activities for 2025 and to improve our offerings for all health professionals who call on ABA to support their learning and practice. Constructive feedback is always welcome from health professionals. Don’t hesitate to email me at engagement@breastfeeding.asn.au with your feedback, concerns and questions. We want to improve our services for you so that you can feel great about your breastfeeding support for mums and families.

 

Warm regards

Jen Hocking

Professional Engagement Lead