Breastfeeding clinics to begin

Friendly support, guidance and advice for Mitchell Shire mums will soon be on hand at new breastfeeding clinics in Kilmore and Seymour.

The drop-in group sessions start in July, with a lactation specialist offering tips and advice on common breastfeeding questions including attachment, positioning and milk supply. The two-hour sessions will run each week and are open to all Mitchell Shire mums.

Maternal and Child Health nurse and qualified lactation consultant Leesa Neilson said the sessions would provide a great support network for mums of all experience.

‘‘Breastfeeding can be a challenging time for parents, especially for firsttime mothers,’’ Ms Neilson said.

‘‘Women can often be unsure whether they are using the correct feeding techniques, whether their child is feeding enough, or they simply want to know if they are doing it ‘right’.

‘‘It can sometimes feel like there is nowhere to turn for advice. That’s why these breastfeeding information clinics will be invaluable.

‘‘They are conducted in a safe and welcoming environment where mums can come and get some advice without fear of judgement.’’

Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said with a growing population, the need for services to support families would increase.

‘‘In the next 15 years, we expect to welcome an extra 16 000 households, mostly young families,’’ she said.

‘‘The need for services like this is going to increase and we are looking at the services we need to plan for to support our community in the future.’’

The sessions will be held at maternal and child health centres in Seymour (55 Pollard St) starting on July 19, and in Kilmore (7 Skehan Place) from July 21.

For more details, visit www.mitchellshire.vic. gov.au or phone Public Health co-ordinator Leanne Crough on 5734 6253.