During the 2024/25 festive season, 188 volunteers from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) answered nearly 1,000 calls and chats from families seeking breastfeeding support. Almost half of these families had newborn babies.
ABA’s National Breastfeeding Helpline operates 24/7 throughout the year, including during the holidays when most other services are closed. Thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, ABA was able to provide continuous support during this busy time.
“We’re incredibly grateful for ABA’s volunteers who offered their time during the festive season to help families with their breastfeeding journeys,” said Victoria Marshall-Cerins, ABA’s executive officer.
ABA is the only service in Australia providing free expert breastfeeding support around the clock, no matter the time or day, including on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. According to ABA, 47% of families said they would have needed professional help if the Helpline hadn’t been available. This could have meant long waits in crowded hospital emergency rooms. Marshall-Cerins expressed gratitude to the trained volunteers who keep the service running.
Volunteer Kezia shared her experience of helping a mother during the festive season.
“I spoke to a mother with a newborn who was in tears, needing someone to guide her,” Kezia said. “I helped her with questions about feeding and settling her baby, and she ended the call feeling much more confident.”
The Breastfeeding Helpline was launched in 2008 and is supported by other ABA services, including LiveChat, the mum2mum app, breastfeeding education classes, local support groups, and professional training.
“ABA has been supporting and empowering parents for over 60 years, becoming a vital resource for many mums,” added Marshall-Cerins. “From pregnancy to postpartum, returning to work, or preparing for another pregnancy, ABA continues to offer education, support, and community every step of the way.”
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