Jess Liddy, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
A feeding-friendly group has started in Kadina.
Australian Breastfeeding Association counsellor Sally Michael and her daughter, trainee counsellor Mary Carroll, wanted to bridge a gap locally.
“We held our first gathering at the Kadina Community Library earlier this month (October) and were blown away by the number of mums, expectant mums and supporters who stopped by,” Mary said.
“There really isn’t any breastfeeding support on Yorke Peninsula for mums beyond the midwife and CAFHS (Child and Family Health Service) programs, and for so many mums it is not something which comes naturally, and can feel quite isolating at times.
“We wanted to create a space for mums to support other mums, not feel so alone and just connect with one another — it is something we are really passionate about.”
Mary said, despite being an Australian Breastfeeding Association-led group, they support both breast and bottle feeding.
“We will talk through all different kinds of baby topics throughout a session — not just feeding,” she said.
“We just want to be as informative as we can be and give mums the knowledge and tools they may need to feel more confident on whatever journey they are on.
“We just hate to think there might be women out there feeling alone and really want to have a safe space for mums to connect and talk openly with each other.”
The group will catch up once a month at the Kadina Community Library with the next meet-up scheduled for Wednesday, November 15.
For more information, join their Facebook group Yorke Peninsula ABA or contact Mary Carroll 0417 851 516 or Sally Michael 0429 091 624.
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 7 November 2023.
