MANY local mothers are forced to breastfeed their children in public bathrooms due to the lack of baby care rooms or safe spaces available in the Southern Grampians Shire.

Hamilton Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) volunteer trained breastfeeding counsellor and group leader, Amy Lantry said it “was very disappointing”.

“In terms of breastfeeding, you can do so anywhere you feel comfortable and that’s important for everyone to understand,” she said.

“Certainty some mums could do with a space to sit and feed without necessarily using a bathroom, and there aren’t any private spaces where people can go in our shire.

“It would be lovely to have that option, especially for visitors moving through the town.”

Southern Grampians Shire Council manager community and leisure services, Susannah Milne said there were “no plans” to implement any private breastfeeding spaces.

“We could advocate to the owners of The Hub to consider the issue in their amenities block,” she said.

“All council facilities including HILAC, the Greater Hamilton Library, the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre and our customer service centres are breastfeeding friendly.”

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