Mums-to-be encouraged to not drink alcohol
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is in the spotlight in September every year to raise public awareness of the importance of remaining alcohol free during pregnancy. The Shire of Manjimup's Southern Forests Alcohol Think Again project officer met with first time expectant mother, Amy George, who shared her story about why she has stayed alcohol free during her pregnancy, and why she is planning to remain that way in the months that follow.
Exposing an unborn fetus to alcohol during pregnancy can cause a range of adverse side effects to the brain and organs known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The nature and degree of harm to the baby due to alcohol can be hard to predict. Children with FASD may have intellectual, physical or behavioural problems such as impaired growth, learning disabilities and language delays.
Mrs George explained how she made a conscious decision to not drink during her pregnancy, saying "I want my baby to be healthy and not have any birth defects that are a result of something I did during my pregnancy." Mrs George's husband is supporting his wife by reducing the amount of alcohol he consumes during her pregnancy. "He is a nurse and has seen first hand the health affects of alcohol on new born babies" said Mrs George.
Shire President Wade DeCampo reinforced the recommendations from the current National Health and Medical Research Council's Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol, saying "for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consuming alcohol can increase the risk of harm to their baby. The safest option is to not drink at all. A baby with FASD affects the whole family and community".
The Guidelines also apply to drinking alcohol during breast feeding. "Breast feeding is something I'm really looking forward to," explained Mrs George, who will go back to having an occasional glass of wine once she has stopped breast feeding.
For more information about FASD please talk to your doctor, child health nurse, midwife or contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 198 024.
Pictured above: Mrs Amy George of Manjimup is excited to meet her new baby.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
Contact: 0427 094 081
