Coker lauds budget boost for local mums

CORANGAMITE federal member Libby Coker joined young mothers and Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) volunteers in Geelong this week to welcome a $5.3 million funding commitment.

This month’s 2023/24 Federal Budget included the cash that will train hundreds of ABA national helpline volunteers, whose 24/7, free service provides support for more than 60,000 families each year.

The ABA says while 96 per cent of Australian mothers start breastfeeding, that figure drops to 60 per cent by six months with just 15 per cent of children being exclusively breastfed. Lack of support and negative community attitudes are cited as the main reasons to mothers stopping breastfeeding early.

Local mum Sarah Walker is among the beneficiaries of the ABA service after she received a membership from her mum when she became pregnant with her first-born son, Jacob.

“It’s free. The counsellors are so lovely. They share their expertise and it’s given me the ability to breastfeed with confidence,” Ms Walker said.

“It hasn’t been easy, I’ve had mastitis four times, and the Helpline has helped me with that. I love the fact that the service is available 24/7, every day of the year.

 “If you are struggling, you can ring the helpline at 4am or 7pm at night, and there’s someone on the end of the line with helpful and thoughtful advice. It’s worth every cent.”

Ms Coker said she was proud to help secure the association’s funding.

“Breastfeeding can be difficult, but with the right advice and help, it can be the most rewarding way to bond with your baby.

“My daughters are now young women, but I still remember just how challenging it was to breastfeed.”

“For young mums like Sarah, the Helpline has been really valuable. It is made up of hundreds of trained volunteers who are so caring and knowledgeable about breastfeeding.”

“The association also connects mums and babies and gives young mums the opportunity to catch up over a cup of tea, for a chat and share advice.”

The helpline funding was alongside a $6 million investment for Australian Red Cross Lifeblood service to expand its delivery of donor milk.

Other budget measures to support women and families included $1.9 billion to expand eligibility for the Parenting Payment to carers of children aged up to 14, $589 million for anti-family violence measures and $26 million for medical research into women’s health issues.