An initiative of The National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW) in conjunction with The University of Melbourne
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Orginally named the Nursing Mothers' Association the extra A for Australia was added in 1969 to reflect the national nature as the Association grew.
Established at a time when formula feeding was seen as modern and fashionable and viewed as being as good as, if not better than breastfeeding.
Established in 1964 by Mary Paton and five of her friends - Jan Barry, Glenise Francis, Pat Paterson, Pauline Pick and Sue Woods, with the idea of breast feeding mothers supporting each other.
The association commenced at a time when censorship restrictions would not allow words such as 'breast', 'pregnant' or 'nipple' in public print or on the airwaves. The Postmaster General's Department (part of which is now known as Telstra) would not allow the word 'breastfeeding' to be printed in the telephone directory. The name Nursing Mothers' Association was decided upon as it combined the ideas of breastfeeding and nurturing.
By 1965, the Constitution and the NMA Code of Ethics were adopted, as well as a counsellor training system being introduced. And publications Increasing Your Supply, Survival Plan and Toddlers' Activities being produced in 1968. The Increasing Your Supply booklet was later translated into Greek - reflecting the changing makeup of the Australian society.
In 1976 the first breastfeeding Helpline was established in Melbourne, with trained volunteer Breastfeeding counsellors, taking calls day and night.
Members of the Association voted in May 2001 for a change of name to the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Sources used to compile this entry: http://wwwbreastfeeding.asn.au accessed 31/10/01.
Anne Heywood
Created: 31 October 2001, Last modified: 5 June 2009
http://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE0158b.htm
I want to purchase a cookbook for my children, the one I have is about 38 years old, please let me know how I can order the book.
thanks
Carmel Bourke - 1 August 2010, 8:01 PM EST
Carmel, you will need to contact the Nursing Mothers Association directly http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
AWAP Administrator - 2 August 2010, 2:35 PM EST
LLLNZ currently adds your 'Let's give our baby the best'(cartoon booklet) into our Peer Counselling Course Resource folder,
could you let me know if this booklet has been updated since 1998 and how can I order x50 and costs? as soon as possible thank you so much
Fiona Pene
Database Manager
LLLNZ
La Leche League NZ INC - 25 November 2010, 11:03 AM EST
Please contact http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
directly.
AWAP Administrator - 29 November 2010, 10:22 AM EST
Hello,
My daughter is expecting her first baby mid September and after becoming aware of her friends breastfeeding problems has started to have concerns of her own. My daughter lives in Edithvale, Melb and her friend lives in Coogee, NSW. I live in Corryong and when I had my children appreciated the support my NMA. Can you please give me the the nearest clinics to Edithvale and Coogee.
Thank you,
Marion
Marion - 6 May 2011, 3:25 PM EST
Marion, You need to contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
AWAP Administrator - 12 May 2011, 1:08 PM EST
I would be interested in what you suggest for a baby who experience colic. Would you recommend any medication?
KInd regards
Sally
Sally - 7 November 2011, 2:05 PM EST
Sally, please send your query to the Association itself. This is merely a register of information about the organisation.
AWAP Administrator - 14 November 2011, 11:12 AM EST