Australian Breastfeeding Association

Baby Eve with Georgia for the Breastfeeding Support Project

Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), formerly known as the Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging women who wish to breastfeed their babies. Founded in 1964 by a group of Melbourne mothers with the aim of providing mother-to-mother support, the organization has grown to become the leading source of breastfeeding information and support in Australia.

History

The Australian Breastfeeding Association was established in response to the declining rates of breastfeeding in the early 1960s and the lack of support and accurate information available to nursing mothers. It was founded by Mary Paton and a group of like-minded women, who began by holding meetings in their homes to share experiences and information about breastfeeding. Over the years, the ABA has expanded its services to include a national helpline, breastfeeding education classes, and a wide range of resources for both parents and health professionals.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Australian Breastfeeding Association is to promote the health and wellbeing of mothers and children through the act of breastfeeding. The organization achieves this by providing up-to-date breastfeeding information, education, and support to families and the community. Key activities include:

• Breastfeeding Education Classes: The ABA offers classes for expectant parents to prepare them for breastfeeding and early parenthood.
• National Breastfeeding Helpline: A toll-free helpline operated by trained breastfeeding counselors who offer support and information to breastfeeding mothers.
• Local Support Groups: The ABA runs numerous local groups across Australia, where mothers can meet and support each other in their breastfeeding journey.
• Publications and Resources: The organization publishes a range of materials on breastfeeding, including books, pamphlets, and a magazine titled Essence.

Advocacy

The Australian Breastfeeding Association also plays a significant role in advocacy for breastfeeding-friendly policies and practices in the workplace, public spaces, and within the healthcare system. It works to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding at the national and community levels, advocating for changes in legislation and public policy to create a more breastfeeding-friendly society.

Membership

Membership to the ABA is open to anyone who supports its aims and objectives. Members receive benefits such as discounts on products and services, access to a lending library, and a subscription to Essence magazine. The organization relies on its members and volunteers to run its various programs and activities.

Challenges and Controversies

Like many organizations, the ABA has faced challenges and controversies, particularly around its stance on breastfeeding exclusivity and the challenges of balancing breastfeeding advocacy with the realities of mothers who are unable to breastfeed. The organization emphasizes the importance of informed choice and supports all parents in their feeding decisions, while continuing to advocate for breastfeeding as the optimal feeding method for infants.

Conclusion

The Australian Breastfeeding Association has played a pivotal role in supporting breastfeeding mothers and advocating for breastfeeding-friendly policies in Australia. Through its wide range of services and programs, the ABA continues to promote the health benefits of breastfeeding and support mothers in their breastfeeding journey.