Breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong good health for babies and mothers. This year World Breastfeeding Week's focus is "In a world filled with inequality, crises and poverty, breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong good health for babies and mothers." In the western world, the learned skill of breastfeeding has been slipping away, these days the odds are stacked against mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies, with insufficient support, misinformation from well-meaning health professionals and doctors who are not given enough training on the topic. World Breastfeeding Week is about raising awareness about breastfeeding. World Breastfeeding Week was first celebrated in 1992 by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and is now observed in over 120 countries by UNICEF, WHO and their partners including individuals, organizations, and governments. WABA itself formed on 14 February 1991 with the goal to re-establish a global breastfeeding culture and provide support for breastfeeding everywhere.
This year we gathered together at sunset to celebrate Motherhood & our Breastfeeding achievements & we built our support networks by building community.
Donations for Rose
All funds raised from this photo shoot are going to a local mother of three young children, who is suffering from breast cancer. I hope our energy was felt by Rose on the day, we were thinking of you. Rose's husband cannot work while he is caring for her and their children and funds are desperately needed. If you would like to donate to the cause you can click through to the families GoFundMe page.
For Breastfeeding support, I recommend the following resources:
The Australian Breastfeeding Association who have a website & 24-hour phone helpline with the most accurate and up to date information on Breastfeeding. ABA also has local group meetings where you can get together with like minded mums for support.
Breastfeeders in Australia facebook page is great for online support and encouragement.
To find a qualified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in your area, pop you post code into this website.
I'm really excited to do more group breastfeeding photos, if you are interested in participating in a photoshoot like this one, please get in contact.
PLEASE SEE THE NEXT BLOG POST FOR MORE BEAUTIFUL IMAGES IN PART 1