News bulletin: 1 November 2012

The state's first breastfeeding drop-in centre, established to boost breastfeeding rates, has been opened in Ballarat.

Parents Place in Ballarat is one of five breastfeeding centres to open as part of the new Supporting Breastfeeding in Local Communities three-year trial involving 10 local councils across the state.

Extensive research has shown breastfeeding has health benefits for mums and babies and that babies who aren't breastfed are more likely to develop medical problems and obesity in later life.

At Parents Place, local mums can seek face-to-face advice from specialist breastfeeding maternal and child health nurses and can breastfeed in a relaxed environment.

Of the 10 local councils taking part in the trial, three will set up five community breastfeeding centres and new parents will also receive home visits from specialist breastfeeding nurses. A further three councils will receive nurse home visits only and the remaining councils will act as a control group as part of the study being conducted by La Trobe University.

Parents Place is located at Shop 10, Norwich Plaza, Bridge Mall, Ballarat and is open Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm.