Breastfeeding lowers the incidence of illnesses in both mother and child.Breastfeeding lowers the incidence of illnesses in both mother and child.

A group of young mothers came together 30 years ago because they had one thing in common – they had breastfed or were still breastfeeding their babies and wanted to share this wonderful and unique experience with other mothers. They believed that support and giving the right information were the key factors to a successful breastfeeding experience.

In the beginning, these mothers met monthly at the Vilhena Pharmacy in Floriana. Later, the group started to meet at premises in Floriana, which is still used today. The premises are provided by the Cana Movement since the group has always been affiliated to the movement.

They organised informative talks for mothers-to-be on a voluntary basis and follow-up sessions with mothers who needed help after their baby was born. This was done by phone and also through visits when needed.

As time passed, it became more evident that a more professional approach had to be taken. This was because the number of mothers interested in breastfeeding was increasing and there was a demand for more knowledge and support.

Breast milk is designed to protect and nourish the fragile human newborn and continues to accompany the child as it grows

For this reason, six members of the support group followed a diploma course through distance learning on ‘Counselling the breastfeeding mother’.

This has enriched the members and improved their counselling services and antenatal classes. Some years later, more mothers did this course locally since one of the members became fully qualified to teach.

Over the past 30 years, the group of breastfeeding mothers became known as the Association of Breastfeeding Counsellors. Our main work centres around providing antenatal classes featuring detailed information on breastfeeding, not just to the mother but also to her partner since we believe that support is vital when breastfeeding.

Another important service we offer is counselling, by phone or through visits. We keep ourselves up to date with the latest scientific research through close contact with international organisations that work to promote breastmilk and breastfeeding, such as the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) and the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA).

We work closely with the health authorities and Mater Dei Hospital, where some of our volunteers attend the breastfeeding walk-in clinic to offer advice and support. Members were also involved in the setting up of the National Breastfeeding Policy. Our organisation also provides custom-made pillows that can make the breastfeeding mother more comfortable.

We believe our biggest asset is our ability to listen and give practical advice because we all have been through this experience and can empathise with the new mother and her learning experience to breastfeed.

Our motivation is driven by our conviction that for our offspring, nothing can ever compare, let alone supersede breastmilk.

This is something we feel every mother should be aware of, so that she can make an informed choice when she has to decide which milk to give her newborn.

Breastmilk is the ideal food for the newborn – it’s coming from a human and going to another human. It is designed to protect and nourish the fragile human newborn and continues to accompany the child as it grows by changing its composition according to needs.

Breastmilk has no discrimination. It is available to the rich and to the poor and every child should have a right to its accessibility.

Unlike the normal clichés, it is the best and it is free. It is also a proven fact that breastfeeding lowers the incidence of illnesses in both mother and child.

All these positive facts motivate our association to continue on our mission to provide support and knowledge for healthier generations.

www.breastfeedingmalta.org

The next breastfeeding course starts on January 13. For more information, call Charmaine Galea on 2149 4766/9983 7170 or Sandra Bianco on 2163 7557/9923 9089.

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