Right: Members of the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s Berwick/Pakenham group came together last week to mark World Breastfeeding Week. From left: Amy and Dante Young, Kristianna and Caitlin Davis and Catherine and Brandon Kilderry.
By Rebecca Fraser
BERWICK mother of two Leonie Zutenis joined her local breastfeeding association when she had a “screaming and colicky” baby. Now, seven years later, Ms Zutenis is group leader and a breastfeeding counsellor with the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s Berwick/Pakenham Group.
The group has about 80 members, with local mothers coming together from right across Casey and Cardinia to offer each other support, guidance and friendship.
Last Monday, the group helped celebrate World Breastfeeding Week at a gathering in Berwick where mothers and children came together to mark the event. The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2006 is Code Watch: 25 years of protecting breastfeeding.
Ms Zutenis said she first joined the group when she was having trouble breastfeeding and her child was experiencing colic. She then went to the Berwick/Pakenham group and made contact with a great group of women who showed her she was not the only one experiencing the challenges of motherhood and breastfeeding.
“The group offered such great support,” Ms Zutenis said.
With children now aged seven and four, Ms Zutenis said many mothers whose children were no longer breastfed still attended the group. She said the group often discussed other facets of parenting besides breastfeeding, such as toddler training, expressing and returning to work.
The group meets on the first Monday and third Tuesday of each month. “It is a nice group of people and the kids have a good time too,” Ms Zutenis said.
“Mothers can often become isolated and this can contribute to postnatal depression. Mothers can come out and meet other people and if they are having problems with feeding we can work through it.”
The Australian Breastfeeding Association has a 24hour help hotline for mothers in need of assistance with feeding. The number is 9885 0653. For further information about the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s Berwick/Pakenham Group call Ms Zutenis on 9769 5160.
