Supporter
Edition 1, 2013
From the President
We’d like to say thank you Welcome to the first edition of our annual Supporter News. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us and those whom we recently welcomed on board. You make our work possible and every dollar raised supports families to give their children the best possible start in life.
the past, we are also looking to the future. Our Association is stronger and more capable than ever before and, with your support, we continue to improve the way we support, educate and advocate for breastfeeding mothers. I hope you enjoy reading this issue and thanks again for all that you make possible.
This issue recognises and celebrates the generosity of our supporters and the vital assistance you provide to the Association. We have a big year ahead in 2014 with our 50th Anniversary. Whilst we will be celebrating
Rachel Fuller President
8000
$1.2 million
1700
women, families and children are supported by the Breastfeeding Helpline every month
is added to the Australian hospital system annually for treatment of 0–4 year old illnesses due to premature weaning before 6 months
volunteers give up their time to support our work
Raffle update
Winners are grinners We greatly appreciate the community’s continued support of our National Raffle. Drawn on 21st June 2013 Sarah Toomey was the lucky first prize winner taking home $20,000 Gold Bullion. We were especially thrilled Sarah is a supporter of our work. www.breastfeeding.asn.au/raffle
Volunteer profile
Meet Leanne Leanne is a qualified breastfeeding counsellor who has worked on the Helpline for nearly three years.
Community
Connecting the community In 2012, the Australian Breastfeeding Association launched the nationally-recognised course, Community Breastfeeding Mentoring. With a focus on isolated and or marginalised communities who identify as having lower than average rates of breastfeeding, and often don’t access traditional health services, the workshops develop a network of breastfeeding role models within the community. By using culturally suitable activities and resources, the workshops help parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, health workers or volunteers find ways to let the community know breastfeeding is important, and develop the skills and confidence to support mothers as they learn to breastfeed and look after their babies. During 2013 in NSW, ACT and VIC Government Funding has enabled the running of 6 very successful workshops.
Q: Tell us about a usual shift on the Breastfeeding Helpline A: Late afternoon into the evening is when all the cluster-feeding queries come in. Mastitis and lumpy breasts happen in the morning and general reassurance calls happen all the time. Some calls are really quick, while other mums need more support and information, especially if they are upset or emotional. Q: What’s the most common type of call you receive? A: Most calls I seem to get are from mums of babies under 1 month of age. Supply issues (how do I tell if I have enough or I’ve got so much milk I don’t know what to do!), nappy queries, windy babies, unsettled babies, weight gain reassurance... and everything in between. You never know what you’re going to get when the phone rings. Q: Do you feel you’re making a difference in supporting breastfeeding mothers and their families? A: Helping a mum to understand how breastfeeding works, or simply letting her talk and get it all off her chest is very rewarding. Our training is very thorough and covers almost every situation imaginable. Hearing the relief in a mother’s voice at the end of a call makes it all worthwhile. I love being part of the Helpline team.
Upcoming
26-27 Oct Baby’s Day Out The Baby’s Day Out events are a great way to raise funds and support breastfeeding wherever it takes place. Find out if there’s one near you. babysdayout.org
01 Dec Festive Appeal Arriving in your mailbox soon the Festive Appeal raises vital funds for breastfeeding mothers and the families and communities that support them. breastfeeding.asn.au/donate
13 Feb 50th Anniversary Join us in 2014 as we celebrate 50 years of supporting breastfeeding mothers. We have lots of exciting events and activities happening across the country including the launch on 13 February of the history of the Association. breastfeeding.asn.au
“It is a pleasure to return something to an organisation which supports families to breastfeed. The association has been part of my life for over 30 years and is now there for the next generation of our family. Your dedication is admirable.” — Jenny Davis, Supporter
Fundraiser profile
Running for a reason Inspired to run for 42.2 km, Claire Anderson hit the pavement in support of the Australian Breastfeeding Association. With family and friends cheering her on, Claire raised an impressive $700. When asked why she chose to support the Association, she said, ‘They are my favourite charity because they do so much to help mothers and babies to achieve their breastfeeding goals’. Heavily pregnant and having not long moved from England to Australia, Claire wanted to get as organised as possible before becoming a first-time mum. Six weeks before she was due, Claire attended a Breastfeeding Education Class. Much to Claire’s surprise, the next day she gave birth to her daughter. Now a mother of three grown children, Claire has been a member of ABA for over 25 years and a counsellor for 20 years.
“you need the same determination to breastfeed as you do to run a marathon”
Have you registered yet? Register now to receive our newsletter sent directly to your inbox. Send your full name and email address to info@breastfeeding.asn.au.
Appeal update
Donate today
A new confidence
Please accept my gift of: $
Donate regularly I would like to make a monthly gift of: $
A gift in your Will I would like information on how I can leave a gift in my Will to the Australian Breastfeeding Association
Personal details Name: Without the help I received, I can honestly say my daughter Bella wouldn’t be breastfed.
Address:
Nobody tells you that developing a breastfeeding relationship can be so difficult. And certainly nobody tells you that you can continue to provide breastmilk through permanent expressing. However, I got all the support I needed through the Australian Breastfeeding Association which enabled me to keep going.
Contact number: Email:
Payment details Please debit my:
Visa / MasterCard
Card Number:
Name on card
Expiry
CVN
Signature
Date
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I will always look back knowing I gave Bella the very best start in life and I couldn’t have done it without the support of ABA. With all the knowledge I gained, I’ve been able to go on and support others who also have challenging breastfeeding journeys. Thank you for all the support, the constant advice, encouragement and for helping me to be the best mother I could. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Charity All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Please give generously.
Post this coupon with your donation to: Australian Breastfeeding Association PO BOX 4000 GLEN IRIS VIC 3146 www.breastfeeding.asn.au/privacy
www.breastfeeding.asn.au 03 9885 0855 Australian Breastfeeding Association PO BOX 4000 GLEN IRIS VIC 3146