Two new breastfeeding counsellors

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) welcomed two new breastfeeding counsellors to the Granite Belt recently.
Michelle McCarthy moved to Stanthorpe from Charters Towers late last year and has been a counsellor with ABA for almost three years.
Ms McCarthy is co-group leader of the Tenterfield-Granite Belt Group.
Talking about why she joined ABA and why she became a breastfeeding counsellor, she said: “All I knew was that I loved breastfeeding and felt a connection with my child that I wanted to help other mothers secure for themselves. I also wanted to learn as much as I could about breastfeeding as it was my full-time job!”
Anita Campbell has been involved with the Tenterfield-Granite Belt Group for the last few years, coordinating and delivering community education sessions such as talks with high school students and health professional seminars.
Ms Campbell qualified as a breastfeeding counsellor in January 2012.
“I currently run breastfeeding education sessions with local medical students, which is one of my passions,” she said.
“I am looking forward to continuing to provide information to members of the community as well as offering support to mums locally and on the Breastfeeding Helpline.”
Ms McCarthy will be running the upcoming Breastfeeding Education Class on Saturday.
The class is designed for expectant parents to prepare for the vital days, weeks and months after a baby’s birth. Phone Michelle on (07) 4681 1101 if you are interested in attending.
Anita and Michelle both volunteer on the National Breastfeeding Helpline and attend local ABA meetings so that mums can obtain support and information about breastfeeding.
Details of local group meetings, the upcoming Breastfeeding Education Class and local breastfeeding counsellors’ contact details can be found at www.granitenet.com.au/groups/women/aba
The Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268) is available seven days a week for breastfeeding information and support.