Last week the group of about 40 members celebrated World Breastfeeding Week which recognises the importance of breast feeding young babies.

The worldwide initiative is based on the notion that people, especially mothers, should ‘protect, promote and support breastfeeding as it saves lives’, and is one of the core fundamentals driving the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. 

Locally a group of women has been offering support to mothers in the Upper Hunter since 2000, however individual groups had been running in Muswellbrook since 1977 and Scone since 1980.

The group is one of more than 250 in towns and cities across  Australia, and offers four fully qualified counsellors and a trainee counsellor who offer face-to-face, telephone and email counselling.

However, Upper Hunter Group leader Margaret Wicks said the support group is open to all mothers, regardless of how they are feeding their baby. 

The group meets in Scone and Muswellbrook each month to                 provide mother to mother support and encouragement with regular up to date parenting information. 

Meetings are held in Scone on the first Monday of each month and a non-mobile bubs meeting for new mums is held on the third Monday of the month at the Community Health Centre from 10.30am with morning tea.  

Alternatively, meetings are held at the QE11 Building in Muswellbrook on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

According to Australian Breastfeeding Association president Rachel Fuller, breastfeeding forms an important part of a mother’s and her child’s physical and emotional wellbeing for as long as the child breastfeeds.

“The immediate and long-term health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children are well documented and make the practice relevant for communities across Australia,” she said. 

“We meet all women wherever they are on their parenting journey, and with unconditional positive regard, supporting them in their breastfeeding choices, whatever their circumstance may be.”

Mrs Wicks said the benefits of attending the meetings are for         support and encouragement, recent research on parenting, meeting with other new mothers in the area and new friendships as having a new baby is exciting and sometimes isolating and overwhelming. 

“Every mum has their own journey and support from others on the way cannot be overestimated,” Mrs Wicks said. 

“We welcome mums to be, those with young babies, toddlers or past all that regardless of how they are feeding/have fed their baby. 

“Parenting is an experience that is enhanced by sharing and               learning so everyone is welcome to join us at a meeting.”

Group member Caitlyn Easey said she joined the group to meet other new mums and for breastfeeding support. 

“I enjoy the monthly meetings and have made lifelong friendships,” she said. 

For meeting times or more information contact meeting facilitator  Ya’el on 0404 365 629. 

For counselling contact Margaret on 6545 1991, Marion on 6545 8001 or the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s 24 hour helpline on 1800 686 268.