Plunket supports World Breastfeeding Week

31 July 2014

Plunket supports World Breastfeeding Week - in communities and online

Plunket, New Zealand’s largest provider of services to support the well being of children under five, is proud to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (Friday 1 August-7 August) in communities across the country, and on social media.

Plunket people will once again support and take part in the Big Latch OnTM, an event organised by Women's Health Action as part of the New Zealand celebrations. On Friday 1 August and Saturday 2 August at 10.30am, women and their babies will gather together at venues throughout the country to breastfeed simultaneously.

This year, Plunket is also running a Facebook Chat to give parents an online forum to ask questions and get advice about breastfeeding. PlunketLine Nurse Margaret and National Breastfeeding adviser Allison Jamieson will be answering questions on Plunket’s Facebook page on Tuesday 5 August from 2-3pm.

Allison Jamieson says that deciding to breastfeed your baby is one of the most positive steps you can take towards ensuring they get the best start in life.

“Breast milk is the perfect food for infants and provides babies with all the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development. It’s the original fast food - it’s always fresh and delivered at the right temperature plus it’s free and readily available.

“Breastfeeding is a skill that requires learning for both mother and baby and there’s lots of support available for mums. PlunketLine (0800 933 922) is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Mums can talk to their local Plunket nurse or visit a Plunket family centre, where staff and other mums can offer support and information in a friendly and relaxed environment. And we hope the Facebook chat on breastfeeding gives people another way to get useful support and advice.”

To join Plunket’s Facebook chat, go to Facebook.com/ PlunketNZ – you can see the forum without being a member of Facebook but you will need to be a member in order to participate by asking questions and commenting. Private message your questions in advance and we'll endeavor to answer them during the chat.

Visit Women’s Health Action site for more information on the Big Latch On events.

About Plunket
For over a century Plunket has been giving New Zealand parents the support they need to nurture healthy, happy kiwi babies.

Plunket is a not-for-profit organisation and is New Zealand’s largest provider of services to support the health and development of children under five.

Plunket is dedicated to working with parents and communities to ensure that New Zealand children get the best start in life. Plunket’s services help families nationwide, through over 300 branches, mobile clinics and a free phone service PlunketLine, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (0800 933 922).

Plunket services are available free to families in New Zealand with children aged 0 to 5. As registered nurses with a postgraduate qualification, Plunket nurses are able to offer high standards of expertise and a range of services to families.

For more information visit plunket.org.nz

About BNZ – Principal Sponsor
Bank of New Zealand is proud to work hand in hand with Plunket to bring young New Zealand families support when they need it most.

BNZ is proud to have been a part of New Zealand since 1861 and looks forward to supporting another organisation that has been integral to our country's upbringing.

ENDS

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