Marnie Morey knows all too well how amazing Wodonga Council's Maternal Child Health nurses can be.
When her daughter Elsie became unsettled, the first-time mother reached out to her MCH nurse to get some help.
"Elsie had been unsettled with a possible intolerance, reflux and tummy issue as a result of a huge supply of milk," the 24-year-old said.
"So I called the breastfeeding support line and Tamara helped me work through it."
Wodonga MCH has six nurses who are Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) management of breastfeeding.
“Our MCH consultants work in a variety of settings, providing leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research for breastfeeding mothers,” she said.
“MCH nurses are highly qualified and work to actively encourage and support mothers at all stages of their journey through motherhood and breastfeeding.
“Mums and bubs can attend for support, advice and information on any aspect of breastfeeding. No appointment in necessary, you can just drop in.”
The Wodonga MCH service provides free (time limited) access to breast pumps.
Marnie said the added pressure of COVID-19 had made more anxious, however, the MCH nurses were always very supportive.
"The MCH nurses are amazing. They have so much knowledge and provide advice in a completely non-judgemental way. I always feel listened to and, in a time where leaving the house is 'taboo' our appointments are somewhat a highlight.
"Getting support has been more challenging due to COVID because every time you leave the house, it is in the back of your mind and you question whether you are doing the right thing. However, the nurses are aware of how challenging everything is at the moment and are especially supportive because of it.
"They are very reassuring and I always leave our sessions (phone or face-to-face) feeling confident in my skills as a mother.
"I was quite anxious prior to giving birth about how I would manage with a newborn in such crazy times but I have been amazed by the many services to support new mums in our local area - many of them free services and all staffed by kind and passionate individuals."
For more information, visit our Early Years page.