Southern DHB proudly supports breastfeeding at work
Southern DHB will continue to be strong advocates of breastfeeding at work as part of World Breastfeeding Week from 1-7 August.
The theme this year is ‘Breastfeeding: Foundation of life’; focusing on how breastfeeding helps prevent malnutrition in all its forms, ensures food safety and breaks the cycle of poverty.
“The aim of this celebration is to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, to support mothers to breastfeed and to normalise breastfeeding in public spaces,” says Southern DHB Health Promotion Advisor, Christine Quested.
Southern DHB Application Specialist Lydia Simpson works at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin and through the support of the DHB, has been able to continue breastfeeding her eleven month-old son, Logan, since her return to work.
“Going back to work with a young baby is always going to be challenging, regardless of how they are fed,” says Lydia. “I’m grateful to be supported to continue parenting the way I would like while working fulltime.”
Southern DHB supports breastfeeding through its breastfeeding friendly policies and the work of our lactation consultants, maternity staff and health promoters.
“Wakari Hospital has an early childhood centre onsite, so I can pop in to feed my baby when required. My managers and colleagues are also very supportive – they don’t bat an eyelid when I need to pop out to feed.”
Southern DHB Health Promotion Advisor, Kathleen Eade, says many women feel they have to give up breastfeeding when they return to work. “A supportive workplace can be instrumental in helping women to continue breastfeeding. Public Health South can provide guidance to organisations that would like to strengthen their support for breastfeeding employees.”
Photo attached: Southern DHB staff member Lydia Simpson with her children, 11-month old Logan and four-year old Penelope, at the Wakari Hospital Early Childhood Centre.
Breastfeeding events being held around the Southern district
There are several breastfeeding events on throughout the district, giving breastfeeding mothers, their partners, and whānau the chance to meet and share information.
Oamaru
Friday 3rd August
The Milk Room (Plunket Rooms), 10am
Severn St, North Otago
Dunedin
The Breast Room Morning Tea
Wednesday 1st August, 10:30am-12:30pm
262 North Road
Breastfeeding Morning Tea
Thursday 2nd August
Plaza Cafe, 130 Anzac Ave, 10am – 12pm
Plaza Café are kindly offering a free muffin or scone with every hot drink purchased
Big Latch On
Saturday 4th August, 10am-12pm
The Otago Museum
Mosgiel
Wednesday 1st August, 1:30pm-3pm
Bumps and Bubs, Taieri Parents Centre, 17 Green St
Balclutha
Big Latch On
Friday 3rd August, 10am
Balclutha Parents Centre, 6 John Street
Gore
Big latch On
Friday 3rd August, 10am
The Gore Kids Hub, Wayland St
Invercargill
Big Latch On
Friday 3rd August, 10am
Invercargill City Libraries and Archives 50 Dee St
Cromwell
Thursday 2nd August, 10:30am-12pm
Let’s Talk drop-in clinic, Cromwell Plunket
Strengthen Me Morning Tea
Friday 3rd August, 10:30am-12pm
Central Yoga Studio
Queenstown
Thursday 2nd August, 10:30am-12pm
Parents Coffee Group, The Hayes
Monday 6th August, 10:30-12pm
Jacks Point Clubhouse
Wanaka
Friday 3rd August, 10:30am-12pm
Alchemy Wanaka
Monday 6th August, 1:30pm-2:30pm
Wanaka Breastfeeding Café, Upper Clutha Plunket