1. family and parenting
2. babies and toddlers

tenterfield / granite belt bulletin
tenterfield/
granite belt
group
bulletin
group leader &
breastfeeding counsellor
Michelle C (Severnlea)
07 4683 5131
breastfeeding counsellor &
breastpump hire
Anita (Ruby Creek)
07 4686 1162
breastfeeding counsellor
Leah (Broadwater)
07 4683 6252
www.granitenet.com.au/
groups/women/aba
january
–
june
2013
group leader welcome
We have had a really great group over the past
year, it’s grown by leaps and bounds.
Having two meetings a month in
Stanthorpe has really increased our
numbers, and we have a lovely bunch of
regulars. New mums are always
M welcomed.
a
y Some of the topics we covered in the
past few months have been very
— interesting & educational, including baby
?
2
0
0
9
quick calendar
For full calendar see the
back page of the bulletin.
january 2013
no meetings
february
Thursday 14th
Thursday 28th
march
Thursday 14th
Thursday 28th
april
Thursday 25th
may
Thursday 9th
Thursday 23rd
june
Thursday 13th
safety, introducing solids, baby massage,
diet & exercise, and returning to work. A
discussion of the age old question on
when to introduce solids is on page 6.
In October we found out that we were
successful in a grant that was applied for
earlier in the year. This grant will be used
to help deliver breastfeeding education
to health professionals in the Darling
Downs/South West region. Thanks to
Michelle M for all the hard work on this
grant application.
If you are a health professional (doctor,
midwife, child health nurse or in training
for any of the above) and would like to
learn more about breastfeeding to
support your clients, please turn to page
2 for more information on the grant and
how you could benefit from the grant.
The national raffle will be run once again from Valentines Day to Mothers
Day (heart to heart). Please help us sell tickets or buy some for yourself—
there are fantastic prizes on offer.
Michelle M is taking 6 months leave from counselling.
Thank you to all who are involved in our group. Everyone in our group and
in the ABA is a volunteer with children, and we really appreciate the time
you give to supporting our group and other mums.
help:
1800 mum 2 mum
1800 6 8 6 2 6 8
info &
e-counselling:
www.breastfeeding.asn.au
shop
www.mothersdirect.com.au
13HEALTH:
13 43 25 84
24h/7days
For those of you reading this who've never been to an Australian
Breastfeeding Association meeting, we'd like to invite you to come along
(see the back of this bulletin for dates, venues and topics). Pregnant mums,
new mums, mums of older babies and children, breastfeeding or not; you
are most welcome.
Yours in mothering,
Michelle Conkas
Group Leader
Volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor
Page 1
january—june 2013
tenterfield / granite belt bulletin
10
1
great reasons to
come along to a
local group
meeting
Chance to meet and
share experiences with
other mothers in your
area. You might make a
new friend or establish a
network.
2 Access to up-to-date
information.
3 Gets you & your baby
out of the house for a
morning.
4 Get to know your local
breastfeeding
counsellor. Some mums
feel more confident
ringing us when they
can put a face to a
voice.
5 Talk to a trained
breastfeeding
counsellor available at
all group meetings. If
you like, they can watch
you feed or answer
questions during the
discussion or in private
afterwards.
6 Borrow books from our
breastfeeding and
parenting library.
7 Everyone is welcome –
mums, dads, partners,
grandparents, friends,
babies and children of
all ages. We sometimes
have family activities.
grant
Thanks to Michelle M’s hard work, we were lucky to receive a grant for
over $25000 for our group. The main intention of the grant is to further
develop and expand the medical student training that Anita has been
working on the past few years.
We plan to work with several medical professionals and medical
students throughout the Darling Downs to expand their breastfeeding
knowledge, and to therefore benefit local mothers with that
knowledge.
Many thanks to the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund for
granting us these funds.
Training package includes:

Breastfeeding Management for
Medical Practitioners workshop,
Brisbane 6 March 2013

Breastfeeding: from Science to
Skills Seminar,
Brisbane 7 March 2013

Travel & accommodation costs
for workshop and seminar

Breastfeeding Management in
Australia , Edited by Wendy
Brodribb AM MBBS IBCLC PhD
FABM,
2012 edition

ABA Subscription (includes
Essence magazine)

Lactation Resource Centre
Subscription (includes
Breastfeeding Review journal )
As many health professionals will be funded as funds permit.
Please contact one of our counsellors if you are interested in benefiting
from this grant.
8 View a range of ABA
booklets & other items
from Mothers Direct
catalogue.
9 Watch babies of various
ages & get a ‘preview’
of the next stage.
10 Learn from other mums.
library list online
Our library collection list is online at:
www.librarything.com/catalog.php?view=aba_gb_tent
Page 2
january—june 2013
tenterfield / granite belt bulletin
subscribe
Australian Breastfeeding Association Subscription Form
PO Box 4000, GLEN IRIS VIC. 3146
Telephone (03) 9885 0855 Facsimile (03) 9885 0866 or online
www.breastfeeding.asn.au
Title: ___________ First Name: ____________________________
Surname: ______________________________________________
Street: _________________________________________________
Suburb: __________________State: _______ Postcode: ______
Tel: (____) ____________________________________
Fax: (____) _______________________________________
e-mail: _________________________________________________
Birthdate: ___________________
Subscription prices 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013.
New subscription includes a free copy of 'Breastfeeding ...
naturally'



 2 year new $100.00
1 year renewal $65.00  2 year renewal $100.00
1 year new $65.00
Concession [No.___________________________] 1 year $50.00
Total
Mothers Direct is your one
stop shop for products for
pregnancy, breastfeeding,
expressing
and
early
parenting.
Shop from home securely
online or visit our retail store
in Brisbane.
10% discount for ABA
subscribers!
www.mothersdirect.com.au
$_____________
 Enclosed is my cheque/money order (payable to Australian
Breastfeeding Association) OR
Please charge my Visa/Mastercard
   
Card Expiry Date____/____
Card Holder’s Name: ___________________________________
Signature: __________________________________
I am a new subscriber to the Australian Breastfeeding
Association
local group email list
Please send an email to
When you join you will receive a copy of the Association’s
comprehensive and invaluable book on breastfeeding,
Breastfeeding … naturally. This book usually retails at $34.95.
Please tick this box if you do NOT want to receive a copy 
[email protected]
if you would like to be
added to our email
notification list.
We send out reminders
about upcoming meetings
and local ABA events,
usually one or two emails a
month.
YOUR PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT TO US
The Australian Breastfeeding Association collects names, addresses and
payment information for the purpose of providing Association services. Your
personal details will not be given to any other party unless legally required to do
so. Our privacy policy can be viewed at www.breastfeeding.asn.au or obtained
by calling 03 9885 0855 during business hours. Your personal details may be used
for internal fundraising purposes. Should you prefer not to receive these requests,
please contact us.
ABN 64 005 081 523
Tenterfield/Granite Belt Group
Page 3
january—june 2013
tenterfield / granite belt bulletin
feeding cues
group directory
group leader, breastfeeding
counsellor
Michelle C 07 4683 5131
Babies instinctively let us know when they need to be fed. This article
will help you to recognise when your baby needs to be fed. This can
help to make breastfeeding work well for both of you.
breastfeeding counsellors
Leah 07 4683 6252
Anita 07 4686 1162
publicity
Leah
library
Sally
medical students presentations
Anita
breastpump hire
Anita
antenatal talks
Michelle C, Anita
‘Not yet Mum!’
In most cases, healthy, thriving newborns will wake on their own accord
for feeds and so get all the milk they need. However, there are some
reasons why a newborn may be extra sleepy. It may be necessary to
wake the baby for feeds to ensure he gets the milk he needs.
Treasurer
Samantha
bulletin & graniteNet web site
Michelle C.
group project
This lovely set of six greeting
cards featuring breastfeeding
Goddesses is now available.
Group projects raise funds for
our group for resources such as
library books and DVDs,
breastpumps and to assist
trainees & counsellors
attending conferences and
training events.
The set is $12 and can be
purchased by contacting
Michelle
[email protected] or
4683 5131 or online at
www.granitenet.com.au/
groups/women/aba/cards
‘I’m ready for a feed now Mum’
Feeding now:

keeps your milk supply up

satisfies your baby's hunger and thirst

lets your baby know you are there when he needs you.
'Oops mum!'
When a baby is crying, it is harder to:

get her to have a good feed

get her on the breast easily

avoid sore nipples.
Page 4
january—june 2013
tenterfield / granite belt bulletin
ABA helpline
benefits of subscribing
Breastfeeding is a learned skill, so
it’s normal to need some support
along the way… Becoming a
member of the Australian
Breastfeeding Association (ABA)
can help you gain confidence in
breastfeeding and parenting.
In addition to the complimentary
services ABA offers, Individual
Membership includes:
 Book – Our welcome gift to you!
Usually $34.95, you'll receive a
complimentary copy of our
book Breastfeeding...naturally
(fully revised and updated in
2011).
 Breastfeeding education
antenatal classes – Our members
-only classes are designed for
expectant parents to prepare for
the vital days, weeks and months
after your baby's birth.
 Essence magazine – Share in the
stories of other mums and gain
up-to-date information on a
range of breastfeeding and early
parenting topics with our
member magazine Essence.
 E-newsletter – Have the latest
news, information and special
offers from the Australian
Breastfeeding Association
emailed directly to you every
month. Read about current
activities and be connected to
resources to support you in your
breastfeeding and parenting
journey.
 My Savings* - With discounts from
many retailers such as
Woolworths, Coles and Big W,
the average family can save
$1,500 a year. *Only available to
eligible members joining or
renewing on or after January 1st
2012
 Mothers Direct - As an ABA
member, you will enjoy a 10%
discount on all your purchases
from our retailer Mothers
Direct. Mothers Direct specialises
in useful, quality products for
breastfeeding, expressing and
early parenting.
www.mothersdirect.com.au
 Half price breast pump hire Members save 50% when they
hire a breast pump through our
retailer Mothers Direct or their
local group.
 Join the ABA family – As a not-for
-profit organisation, the
Australian Breastfeeding
Association is funded primarily by
members. Your membership
enables us to continue our
services in supporting and
educating parents, health
professionals and the community
about breastfeeding.
The 1800 MUM 2 MUM (1800 686 2 68) breastfeeding helpline operates 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. Over 7000 calls from around Australia are
taken each month, over 80 000 calls a year.
Have you ever wondered how the Breastfeeding Helpline works?
The Breastfeeding Helpline is very different to most phone helplines, in
that the counsellors are not sitting working in a call centre. Volunteer
breastfeeding counsellors are at home (or on their mobile) and are
rostered on for 4 hours at a time. When you call 1800 MUM 2 MUM, the
phone system automatically routes your call to the first available
counsellor, wherever in the country she might be.
The average time of a breastfeeding helpline call is 12 minutes, though
some calls are longer and some are shorter.
what is a breastfeeding counsellor?
Australian Breastfeeding Association breastfeeding counsellors are
trained volunteers offering breastfeeding information and mother-tomother support. Breastfeeding counsellors:

are volunteers offering their services free of charge

have breastfed at least one baby

hold a nationally-recognised Certificate IV in Breastfeeding
Education (Counselling)(or equivalent)

continually update their breastfeeding knowledge and skills
through ongoing training.

Breastfeeding counsellors are not medically trained and cannot
give medical advice. If you have a medical issue they will need to
refer you to your medical advisor. Their area of expertise is
breastfeeding management.
training to be a breastfeeding
counsellor
10006NAT Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education (Counselling) covers
the skills and knowledge required to work as a volunteer breastfeeding
counsellor with the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
The course content includes:

in-depth breastfeeding
knowledge

communication skills

counselling skills

administration of a
volunteer group

team leadership

conflict management
The training programs offered by ABA are designed to support learners
to finish within 12 months, however most trainees complete the course
part-time and take up to 18 months.
This course is offered only to members of the Australian Breastfeeding
Association who commit to working for the Association as a volunteer
breastfeeding counsellor for a set period of time.
If you are interested in training to become a breastfeeding counsellor,
please speak to one of our counsellors for more information.
Page 5
january—june 2013
tenterfield / granite belt bulletin
confused about introducing solids?
FREE breastfeeding e-book
How often should I
feed my baby?
How can I tell if they are
getting enough milk?
Learn the basics about
breastfeeding quickly and
easily with our free
34-page e-book:
Breastfeeding Confidence
For your free copy go to
www.breastfeeding.asn.au
And look for the following
image:
by Joy Anderson, Accredited Practising Dietitian, International Board Certified
Lactation Consultant and Breastfeeding Counsellor.
Many mothers are confused about introducing solids as they get different
advice from different authorities and health professionals. This article is
designed to help explain why there is conflicting advice.
Basically we don't really know for sure what is best with regards to allergies
and the introduction of solids. We used to think we knew how to reduce the
risk of allergy but recent research studies have cast doubt on what were
the accepted guidelines. The number of children becoming allergic to
foods has risen sharply in recent years in Western countries. Finding out
what we are doing wrong is the aim of current research in several parts of
the world, including UK and Australia.
There are two questions:

What age should a baby be introduced to solids?

What foods should be offered and when?
The World Health Organization (WHO) the National Health and Medical
Research Council (NHMRC) and ABA all currently recommend 6 months of
exclusive breastfeeding and then the introduction of solids while
breastfeeding continues. Exclusive breastfeeding means no other food or
drink.
Authorities in several Western countries 1, 2 recommend that solids should not
be introduced before 4 months and should be offered no later than 6
months. This does not mean every baby should begin at 4 months, rather at
some point in between these two ages, when the baby shows readiness.
The Australian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) supports
this and has influenced many health professionals' recommendations. In
the food allergy articles in the November 2012 issue of Community
Paediatric Review, two paediatric allergists from the Royal Children's
Hospital in Melbourne recommend introducing solids around 6 months.
The advice to begin solids before 6 months is based on several recent
population studies, mostly from Europe.3 These have suggested that
introduction and frequent exposure to food allergens from 4-6 months
reduce the risk of allergies rather than increase it. This is opposite to what
the old guidelines assumed. No study has shown that delaying allergenic
foods beyond 6 months results is a lower risk of allergy - rather the opposite.
However, there have been no studies where babies were exclusively
breastfed for 6 months and then introduced to solids. The population
studies looked at normal families and put the babies into categories
according to when the parents said they started solids, so there were
babies given artificial baby milks in all categories.
In addition, allergy risk is not the only factor in deciding when to introduce
solids.3 There are also nutrition, risk of illness and risk of the baby receiving
too little breastmilk.
Iron and zinc are two minerals needed from solids from about 6 months but
this varies between babies. Because we don't know which babies are in
most need, we usually aim to start giving all babies solids containing these
minerals from this age. Iron-fortified cereals are often used in Australia but
Page 6
january—june 2013
tenterfield / granite belt bulletin
Breastfeeding…
naturally
The ABA’s Breastfeeding...naturally has been fully revised and updated in 2011, and is
now available in full colour.
Usually $34.95, new subscribers
receive a FREE copy!
Breastfeeding...naturally can help
answer the questions every parent
has about breastfeeding. It covers
topics from preparing for breastfeeding, to solving problems and
managing the changing needs of
your growing baby.
these do not contain zinc. The best foods for these two minerals are
meats and their vegetarian alternatives.
Many people think that risk of illness from artificial feeding or dirty
solids is only a significant problem in poor countries. However, there
are many studies showing that breastfeeding protects babies from
illness in Western countries as well.3 This supports keeping the timing
for exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months.
The older guidelines also recommended further delay of certain
foods such as cows' milk, nuts, wheat, egg and fish, which was
thought to reduce the risk of allergy to these foods by allowing the
baby's system to mature. The population studies have disproved this.
It is now thought that once they start solids, normal babies should be
given a variety of foods and the type and order do not matter. A
gap of 2-3 days between each new food should be enough, in case
there is some reaction. Parents with a baby who has symptoms of
allergy already should seek advice from a health professional about
introducing solids.
Nut allergies are a common concern. Studies so far have suggested
that nuts pose no more risk of allergy to normal babies than any
other foods. There is a large study being done in UK that will run until
2014 to see if early introduction of peanut products increases or
decreases peanut allergies. Until that research is finished, no one
can say for sure when is the best time to introduce nuts. Note that
this is distinct from the choking risk of whole nuts, which should be
avoided until children are about 5 years of age. A similar
study looking at egg allergy is being done in Australia.
my savings
Regardless of the age your baby starts solids, breastfeeding should
continue during the process of introducing new foods. Research
suggests that this reduces the risk of allergies and coeliac disease.4
It can be challenging balancing the
budget with a young family. With
our My Savings program you can
save where it counts - on items like
food, groceries and fuel that you
buy every week (as well as things like
gifts, travel and movie tickets).
Note that this discussion is about preventing allergy in children. If a
baby or child already has a food allergy, they and their
breastfeeding mother should avoid those foods. Also, studies have
shown that avoiding allergens during pregnancy makes no
difference to the risk of allergy development in the child.
With discounts from many retailers
such as Woolworths, Coles and Big
W, the average family can save
$1,500 a year.
My Savings is available to eligible
members joining or renewing on or
after January 1st 2012 .
In answer to these questions:
1.
2.
What age should a baby be introduced to solids?
Currently the WHO recommendation of 6 months for introduction of
solids is current and backed up by research.
What foods should be offered and when?
A wide variety of foods when the baby shows readiness, starting at
about 6 months.
References
1.
ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition: Agostoni C, Decsi T, Fewtrell M, Goulet O, Kolacek S,
Koletzko B, Fleischer Michaelsen K, Moreno L, Punti J, Rigo J, Shamir R, Szajewska H, Turck D,
van Goudoever J 2008, Complementary feeding: a commentary by the ESPGHAN
Committee on Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr46(1): 99-110. (Available
at www.espghan.med.up.pt/position_papers/con_28.pdf).
2.
Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW, the Committee on Nutrition and Section on Allergy and
Immunology 2008, Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic
disease in infants and children: the role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, timing
of introduction of complementary foods, and hydrolysed formulas. Pediatrics 121(1): 183-191.
(Available ataappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;121/1/183).
3.
Anderson J, Malley K, Snell R, 2009, Is 6 months still the best for exclusive breastfeeding and
introduction of solids? A literature review with consideration to the risk of the development of
allergies, Breastfeeding Review 17(2): 23-31. (Note that this article covers the various criteria
and research used to advise on the timing of solids introduction.).
4.
Ivarsson A, Hernell O, Stenlund H, Persson LA 2002, Breast-feeding protects against celiac
disease. Am J Clin Nutr 75: 914-921. (Available atwww.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/75/5/914).
© Australian Breastfeeding Association Reviewed December 2012
Page 7
january—june 2013
tenterfield / granite belt bulletin
australian breastfeeding association
diary dates january—june 2013
Everyone is welcome at meetings– mothers, pregnant women, fathers, partners, grandparents, friends,
babies, and older children. Women who are not breastfeeding are also welcome. A plate of food to share is
appreciated if you are having a good day. Our get togethers are relaxed, friendly, and enjoyable.
A Breastfeeding Counsellor is available at all ABA get togethers. All venues are baby and toddler friendly.
Contact [email protected] to be added to our email list.
Check the ABA web page on GraniteNet for updates: www.granitenet.com.au/groups
jan
No meetings in January due to school holidays.
february
march
Thurs
14th
9.30am
developmental milestones
Ages and stages of baby development, including The Wonder Weeks,
an alternative view to “growth spurts.”
Baptist Church Hall
Corner Railway and
Hillcrest Streets
Stanthorpe
Thurs
28th
9.30am
chat and play
Relaxed get together with other mums, bubs and toddlers.
Baptist Church Hall
Corner Railway and
Hillcrest Streets
Stanthorpe
Thurs
14th
9.30am
when breastfeeding doesn’t work out
It doesn’t always work out the way you planned or thought it would.
Baptist Church Hall
Corner Railway and
Hillcrest Streets
Stanthorpe
Thurs
28th
9.30am
chat and play
Relaxed get together with other mums, bubs and toddlers.
Baptist Church Hall
Corner Railway and
Hillcrest Streets
Stanthorpe
Only one meeting this month due to Easter holidays.
april
may
june
Thurs
25th
9.30am
attachment parenting
Find out about this style of parenting and how it might work in your
family.
Baptist Church Hall
Corner Railway and
Hillcrest Streets
Stanthorpe
Thurs 9th
9.30am
breastfeeding through pregnancy and beyond
How does breastfeeding change if you become pregnant again
when your baby is not ready to give up?
Baptist Church Hall
Corner Railway and
Hillcrest Streets
Stanthorpe
Thurs
23rd
9.30am
chat and play
Relaxed get together with other mums, bubs and toddlers.
Baptist Church Hall
Corner Railway and
Hillcrest Streets
Stanthorpe
Thurs
13th
9.30am
sleep
Share sleep tips and stories.
Baptist Church Hall
Corner Railway and
Hillcrest Streets
Stanthorpe
school holidays
No chat & play this month due to school holidays.
Page 8
january—june 2013