On Saturday 17 July, Rainbow Families and the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) ran the first LGBTQIA+ BEL (Breast/chestfeeding Education Live) online. This lactation education class was run with great success and was hosted by two ABA Counsellors from the Rainbow Families community, with support from a Rainbow Families representative. The next class runs in October - book in now if you are expecting.....
As part of this important project, we have also launched the digital book; “Breastfeeding, chestfeeding and human milk feeding: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Families”, which you can download here.
A huge thank you to the wonderful team that have been working on this for the past 2 and a half years. Bridget and Reb have put in many, many hours developing the content for the book, as well as preparing the information for the class. It's been a labour of love and we are so grateful for their work, and the contribution from the ABA volunteers.
“The book is a wonderful resource that offers a lot of information and support about human milk, co-feeding, chest feeding, inducing lactation and more. It also includes photographs from the Rainbow Families NSW and Rainbow Families Queensland communities, as well as personal stories. The book has been made by the community for the community, and is specifically tailored to resonate with LGBTQIA+ parents and expecting parents.” Bridget says.
The second part of the project is Breastfeeding, chestfeeding and human milk feeding online classes.
“These classes are held quarterly and run for 90 minutes online. They’re facilitated by Australian Breastfeeding Association volunteers, and a Rainbow Families NSW representative. These classes share general information about feeding and what to expect from your baby in the first weeks. Best of all, these classes also invite a parent from the community to join for a Q&A and share their own experience.” Bridget says.
This project was possible thanks to funding from the Vasudhara Foundation for the development of the book, and Lush for the development and pilot of the classes.
We are excited to now be offering these important resources to our community!
