Adding to the 'natural is best' argument, Tamworth nurse Kate Ross says breastfeeding will save our planet.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Starting today, this World Breastfeeding Week aims to support mothers with their breastfeeding for a healthier environment.
If we start by thinking of the many benefits breastmilk gives our child, will can then think of the greater good as well, it's fantastic.
- Kate Ross
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) say breastmilk is renewable, sustainable, environmentally friendly, but there also needs to be a "warm chain of support for breastfeeding".
Mrs Ross agrees, and says the support network for mothers in the Tamworth community is "amazing."
"Breastfeeding advice has changed over the years," Ms Ross explained.
"We often look to the strong women in our lives to give us advice, but often they give information they had when they were feeding and it may have changed since then."
Despite international recommendations, only about 40 per cent of all babies born each year are exclusively breastfed until six months of age.
Often, there is a lack of support to breastfeed, whether in the health system, workplace or community.
In light of this, Ms Ross wants to tell as many mothers as she can to take advantage of the many support services available in town.
She commends the amazing support of Hunter New England's Maria Ryan and Maryann Murdoch, both internationally certified lactation consultants.
Everyone wants you to succeed, so seek help if you need it, and trust your own instincts as well as a mother.
- Kate Ross
"Even though I had lots of information as a health professional, being assisted by a lactation consultant helped me on my breastfeeding journey, and it was so beneficial," she explained.
"Everyone wants you to succeed, so seek help if you need it, and trust your own instincts as well as a mother."
READ ALSO
Considering milk substitute production has many environmental and climate impacts from packaging, distribution and preparation methods, Ms Ross says we all have a role to play in saving our planet.
"Breastfeeding is natural, readily available, and is designed for human consumption - you can't get better than that.
"If we start by thinking of the many benefits breastmilk gives our child, will can then think of the greater good as well, it's fantastic."