Monday 1 August 2016
World Breastfeeding Week - Southern DHB Supporting Breastfeeding at Work
It’s World Breastfeeding Week this week and the theme this year is ‘A Key to Sustainable Development.’
The theme is about how breastfeeding is a key element in getting us to think about how to value our wellbeing from the
start of life, how to respect each other and care for the world we share.
Southern DHB supports breastfeeding through its breastfeeding friendly policies and the work of its lactation
consultants, maternity staff and health promoters.
Southern DHB Clinical Nurse Specialist Signe Stanbridge works in the Dunedin Hospital Emergency Department, and through
the support of the DHB has been able to continue to breast her baby Emma since her return to work from maternity leave
six months ago.
The theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is very relevant to Signe as one of the new Sustainable Development
goals being promoted is ‘Women’s Productivity and Employment.’
“Being able to continue to breastfeed Emma after returning to work is very important to me as I want to give Emma the
best start in life I can,” says Signe.
“Emma is cared for in the Dunedin Hospital Early Childhood Centre adjacent to the hospital and I’ve been able to pop out
to feed her when she’s needed it, which is fabulous.
“With this support I was able to return to work earlier than I had originally planned to take up a seconded position to
Clinical Nurse Specialist which is great for both myself and Emma.”
Signe still pops over to the Early Childhood Centre to feed Emma while at work.
“I can’t promote the convenience of being able to breastfeed enough - it’s on tap, the right temperature, portable, I
don’t need to sterilise bottles, and Emma gets all the nutrients she needs”.
“I love breastfeeding Emma and will keep it up until she’s two if she’s still enjoying it,” said Signe.
As part of World Breastfeeding Week celebrations, ‘Milk Movie’ screenings and ‘Big Latch On’ events are being held
around the Southern district:
‘Milk’ movie
The award winning ‘Milk’ movie brings a perspective on the politics, commercialization and controversies surrounding
birth and infant feeding. Inspiring, informative, provocative and sensitive, ‘Milk’ celebrates bringing a new life into
this world with a strong call to action and reflection.
Movie screenings are taking place at the following locations:
Invercargill
When: 7pm, Monday 1 August
Where: Southland Museum and Art Gallery Theatre
Entry by Koha, light refreshments provided
Dunedin
When: 12 -1:30 pm, Thursday 4 August
Where: Dunningham Suite, Level 4, Dunedin City Library
$5 entry, bring your own lunch, light refreshments provided
‘Big Latch On’
‘Big Latch On’ events, giving breastfeeding mothers, their partners, and whānau the chance to meet and share
information, will be happening at the following locations around the Southern district:
Friday 5 August 2016
Alexandra
Where: Church House Lounge, next to Community House, Centennial Ave
Registration: 10am
Gifts, morning tea provided
Cromwell
Where: Cromwell Plunket Rooms, 5 Murray Terrace
Registration: 10am
Morning tea provided
Dunedin
Where: Lower Ground Floor Food Court, Meridian Mall
Registration: 10am
Gifts and spot prizes, fresh fruit snacks, coffee and muffin deal and entertainment by Damian & Sonja from The Breeze.Breastfeeding assistance and information available to those that need it and of course you can
chat with other mums and bubs.
Gore
Where: Public Library, 8 Norfolk St
Registration: 10am
Morning tea, spot prizes, music and movement for preschoolers
Invercargill
Where: Public Library – Children’s Department, 50 Dee St
Registration: 10am
Free gifts and spot prizes, morning tea and information on support services. Come along and meet other mums and bubs
Oamaru
Where: North Otago Plunket Rooms, Severn St (opposite Police Station)
Registration: 10am
First 20 registrations on the day receive a goodie bag and all registrations are placed also in the draw for spot
prizes. Morning tea provided.
Queenstown
Where: The Sherwood, 554 Frankton Rd
Registration: 10 am
Goodie bags provided
Wanaka
Where: Alchemy Café, 151-153 Ardmore Street
Registration: 10 am
Spot prizes and raffle hamper
Saturday 6 August
Balclutha
Where: Balclutha Parents Centre, 1 John Street Unit A Upstairs
Registration: 10am
Morning tea provided, Goodie bags and spot prizes will be given away
Dunedin - North East Valley
Where: Valley Project Community Rooms, 262 North Road
Registration: 10am
Snacks and beverages provided
Can’t make it to the ‘Big Latch On,’ but still want to take part? Take a ‘selfie’- check it out on http://www.womens-health.org.nz/participant-selfies/
For more information about breastfeeding: www.southerndhb.govt.nz/phsbreastfeeding.
*Photograph of Southern DHB nurse Signe Stanbridge feeding her 15 month old baby Emma
ENDS