THE Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) Tenterfield-Granite Belt Group donated an ABA rose “Little Ray of Sunshine” to the Stanthorpe Hospital earlier this month to celebrate the upgrade of its birthing suite.
The rose was planted on Thursday 2 October with ABA members and hospital staff in attendance.
The “Little Ray of Sunshine” rose was launched to mark ABA’s 50th birthday. Sales of the rose assist ABA to provide vital information and support to the more than 80,000 mothers who seek its help with breastfeeding each year.
Research shows more than 90 per cent of Australian mothers want to breastfeed so it is important they receive the right support to breastfeed for as long as they want to, Tenterfield-Granite Belt Group administrator and breastfeeding counsellor Leah Broadwater said.
The rose was named by ABA member Miriam Hurworth of Western Australia.
“My son is my little ray of sunshine and ABA provides a little ray of sunshine to mothers who might otherwise be struggling in the dark without ABA’s vital guidance and support,” Ms Hurworth said.
Formerly known as the Nursing Mothers’ Association, ABA was founded in 1964 by six young mothers and has helped more than three million Australian mothers breastfeed since then.
ABA’s Tenterfield-Granite Belt Group meets on the first Thursday or every month in Stanthorpe. For inquiries regarding meetings, breast pump hire or for confidential counselling contact Ms Broadwater on 07 4683 6252 or 0409 001 634. Breastfeeding information, counselling and general inquiries can also be accessed seven days a week on 1800 MUM 2 MUM/1800 686 268 or www.breastfeeding.asn.au.
