Over the Christmas break, we contacted Shoalhaven City Council, asking them about the lack of adequate parent room/baby care facilities in Nowra.
A few years ago there was a Women’s Rest Centre which was fabulous for parents of babies. You could stop in there for a break, feed your baby in private, and change nappies. Sadly it had to be closed, mainly ‘due to concerns of escalating anti social behaviour in the area and staff/user safety. There are currently no plans toreopen the facility. In fact, the building is not available as it houses a local business.’
The council has been working on creating a more breastfeeding friendly environment throughout the business community. A wallet size resource card is available through the council, providing details of the venues and locations of businesses which are breastfeeding-friendly, and the location of baby change facilities throughout the Shoalhaven area.
This is a step in the right direction for families living in, and visiting Nowra and the Shoalhaven area. While there is still a pressing need for clean, safe, easily accessible private feeding areas, the work the council has done to date is both encouraging and promising.
Click on the following link for more details: Breastfeeding venues