Let's build a Breastfeeding Friendly Australia
Every mum’s breastfeeding journey is unique, and having the right support makes all the difference. While ABA offers services to help mums and families, feeling welcomed in the community is just as important.
Everyone can play a part from governments, businesses, workplaces, community groups and local venues like cafes and libraries. Together, we can create communities that are respectful, safe and supportive for breastfeeding mums and their families.
Together, we can make every place breastfeeding friendly
How can you be involved?
For workplaces
Support employees returning to work by becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace
For childcare services
Show families you welcome and support breastfeeding by becoming recognised as a Breastfeeding Friendly Early Childcare Education and Care Service
For community venues
Join the Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere recognition and show families they're welcome anytime
"To help women feel safe and comfortable in the community. We are a female predominate industry and every little bit that helps women I want to be apart of."
- LA Beauty, Yarrawonga VIC on signing-up to Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere
"We would like to let parents know that our library is a welcoming space to breastfeed."
- Berri Library, SA on signing-up to Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere
Breastfeeding Friendly Australia programs
Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace (BFW) accreditation
Initial sign-up fees + recurring annual fees
Overview
Helps organisations create a supportive, respectful workplace for mothers returning to work.
Audience
Organisations, businesses, workplaces wanting to support employees
Requirements
Submission of workplace evidence that aligns with standards for time, space and supportive culture
Breastfeeding Friendly Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Service recognition
$99 annual fee or $160 every 2-years (+GST)
Overview
Provides practical guidance for ECEC services to provide breastfeeding support in daily operations
Audience
ECEC services or services caring for infants and young children
Requirements
Provide suitable spaces, trained staff, display signage and promote an inclusive, respectful culture.
Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere (BWE) recognition
FREE
Overview
Recognises venues that provide safe, accessible spaces for mothers to breastfeed while out and about.
Audience
Venues accessible to the general public such as cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, libraries, community centres.
Venues not meeting eligibility:
- Hospitals
- Medical facilities
- ECEC Services
Requirements
Publicly accessible for mothers to drop in and employees have a welcoming attitude
Baby Care Room (BCR) recognition
FREE
Overview
Recognises community premises offering suitable facilities for breastfeeding mothers and caregivers
Audience
Facilities accessible to the general public, including parenting and carers rooms
Venues not meeting eligibility:
- Hospitals
- Medical facilities
- ECEC Services
Requirements
Public space with suitable breastfeeding facilities. Safe, warm and inviting space
Health facilities, hospitals and child & maternal health services
The Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere program is made for public places like cafés and libraries where everyone can drop in. Since hospitals and Child & Maternal Health Services already support breastfeeding families as part of what you do every day, this program isn’t aimed at health facilities but we truly appreciate the important work you do!
Your service already plays a vital role in supporting breastfeeding families and you can still show your breastfeeding friendly support in other ways.
Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) education for maternity facility staff
The eModules have been designed to save facilities the time, resources and effort of organising in-house professional development
ABA produces resources that are available free of charge to health services
These resources promote the Breastfeeding Helpline and other ABA services that support breastfeeding mothers and their families.
ABA membership for health professionals
Join hundreds of health professional and get the latest info, research and professional development every year.
eLearning modules with CPD points
ABA offers online learning modules to help you engage in best-practice breastfeeding support for mothers and their support networks.
Child and Family Health Services in South Australia accredited as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace
Lisa Jenkins and Ally Higgs proudly hold the certificate for CaFHS SA
Dreamworld Parents Centre
Dreamworld’s Parents Centre in the Dreamland Precinct is proudly recognised as an ABA Baby Care Room.
Presentation of Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere sticker
To the Office of Magenta Marshall MLA in Rockingham, WA.
Returning to work while breastfeeding?
Support for mum returning to work and breastfeeding
Courses for community workers
Our Community Breastfeeding Mentoring course is designed to teach mentoring skills and basic breastfeeding information to people who support breastfeeding in their communities.
Deadly Dads program
Deadly Dads is a program designed to bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men into the breastfeeding conversation. The program is offered in a Train the Trainer format. Participants include Aboriginal Health Workers and community members.
