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Festive Appeal 2024

Together for every mother, ABA is here for you

This festive season, we reflect upon the countless lives the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) has touched over our 60 years — stories of resilience, joy, and helping families overcome breastfeeding obstacles to achieve their goals. 

Lara Scott and Baby Elsie

Meet Lara Scott, who was a first-time mum to a 7 week old baby when she called the ABA National Breastfeeding Helpline

Lara needed urgent support to wean her new baby after receiving a cancer diagnosis requiring radiotherapy treatment. The ABA volunteer superheros staffing the Breastfeeding Helpline were there for her. 

Lara shares her proudest moments of ABA's impact on her life

The hospital and I did everything possible to keep me breastfeeding through my stay even providing a lactation consultant to help with positioning and keeping my milk supply going. Unfortunately, with my firstborn, my breastfeeding experience got cut short due to cancer treatment when my baby was only about 7 weeks old. I utilised the help of ABA to help wean her and the support, empathy and guidance they gave me was so helpful. I am very grateful for ABA.  

With my second baby, my medical team supported me to continue feeding despite some medical issues. Sometimes it's hard to talk to your friends about your challenges, but ABA is there when you need that special friend. 

Lara Scott    

Lara Scott and Baby Elsie

The mission of ABA volunteer superheroes

Whether it’s a rural parent navigating with limited support, a woman asked to stop breastfeeding at a public pool or event, or a mum facing illness yet choosing to breastfeed — ABA volunteers, our everyday superheroes have stood by their side, unerringly delivering the support they need.

Maree Brinkman

Maree

Maree has been a Helpline volunteer every Wednesday evening from 10pm to 5am and has worked the Wednesday night shift for 60 consecutive months.

I provide support to every mother in a non-judgmental way, especially during those vulnerable nighttime hours. My goal is to reassure them and help them build a successful breastfeeding relationship with their baby.

 

Family Photo of Amy and youngest child

Amy

Amy has been a local group leader, her compassionate outreach, turning an ordinary encounter into life-changing support.

Hearing a mum’s frustrations with her breastfeeding experience, I encouraged her to attend an ABA local group for both advice and connection. My encouragement had inspired the mum to reach out for lactation support earlier than she’d thought possible. 

 

Empowering parents through peer-to-peer support, evidence-based information, and unwavering encouragement has been the heart of our mission for 60 years. The mission is not yet complete — and it’s still one worth fighting for. 

ABA has touched countless lives over the years

These stories are about resilience, joy, and helping families overcome breastfeeding obstacles. Thank you for your support, it has been instrumental in making these extraordinary stories possible!

Haneen Yusuf_my family in our first days in Australia
Haneen
Started her breastfeeding journey at 22 years young, Haneen reflected on how the Breastfeeding Education Class could've made a positive impact on her journey.

I hadn’t prepared myself or my husband for the realities of breastfeeding. ABA's Breastfeeding Education Class was eye-opening, it could have eased my worries and given me practical skills, making my first experience so much smoother. 

 

lady holding a baby in each arm
Courtney
Mum of multiples, Courtney had a challenging start to her first breastfeeding journey. But the support she received from ABA has turned it around.

This support and education empowered me to exclusively breastfeed my twins, resulting in a much more positive experience without any pain.

 

Kelly
Mum to 18-month-old Freya, Kelly lives on a small farm outside of Orange in NSW. At ABA, she felt supported and heard.

ABA is a phenomenal support, and they have many resources which really helped me with my breastfeeding journey. I feel I wasn't alone on my journey, and they helped me to find my village. 

 

Your generosity helps us reach more families, ensuring mums can breastfeed with confidence, even in the face of challenges.  

FAQ

How do I make a donation?

There are many ways you can make a donation. We take donations online, over the phone, and in cheques. Now that you're here, the easiest way is to click the 'Donate now' button and follow the steps. 

Where does my money go?

Your donation will go to supporting the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s mission towards building a breastfeeding inclusive society in the following key areas:   

  • Provide in-person counselling and support services 
  • Continue to support advocacy and research into breastfeeding 
  • Provide breastfeeding education to parents, well before they realise how essential it is 
  • Foster community awareness and raise support 
Will I receive a tax receipt?

Yes, you'll receive a tax receipt on any donation over $2. This will allow you to claim your donation come tax time. Most charity donations offer the same benefit. 

You can use the tax receipt for your donation to claim a deduction at tax time through the Australian Tax Office's online portal. If you have a personal income tax agent, they can submit the deduction on your behalf. 

  

The impact of your gift

ABA can continue providing reliable support to every family, however, their breastfeeding journey unfolds. 

Blue book

$30

Provides resources for local health professionals to refer mums to ABA

Blue handshake heart

$45

Enables our research collaborations and delivers latest evidence-based information to mums

Blue globe

$60

Fuels ABA's advocacy - to end exploitative formula marketing

Blue livechat

$100

Enables ABA to be there 24/7 for families during the festive season