When I had my son in early 2016, I found that while other local councils such as Wyndham provide a free drop-in breastfeeding support service staffed by Lactation Consultants, Brimbank does not. Women may not be able to access a service in Werribee for a number of reasons including lack of transport and temporary medical inability to drive.

A report by Victoria University has found that while the proportion of babies breastfed at time of discharge from hospital is comparable to the rest of Victoria, by 6 months of age, less babies are breastfed in Brimbank compared to Victoria. I believe this is, in part, due to a lack of accessible, timely and individualized support. 

While the Australian Breastfeeding Association provides significant support via their telephone hotline and website, this may not resolve issues for women whose English is limited or who require physical instruction. Similarly, Sunshine Hospital provides excellent prenatal and postnatal support, but this finishes once the baby is discharged. 

I am calling on Brimbank City Council to consider establishing a free drop-in breastfeeding support service for a minimum 6 hours per week staffed by Lactation Consultants. I aim to meet with Brimbank Council and present a proposition. Please sign the petition if you think this is a service Brimbank families need.

Please email me at: sarahvanree@gmail.com for further information.

Sarah van Ree