Olympian turned women’s health doctor, Dr Jana Pittman has been named as the first ambassador of the ‘Every Moment Matters’ campaign.
Developed by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) and endorsed and funded by the Australian Government, ‘Every Moment Matters’ is Australia’s first, nationwide public awareness campaign to raise awareness of the risk of alcohol use during pregnancy.
“We’re excited to welcome Dr Pittman as an ‘Every Moment Matters’ ambassador,” says FARE CEO, Caterina Giorgi.
There are so many mixed messages about alcohol, pregnancy and breastfeeding and it is great to be able to share consistent messages that cut through the misinformation and support families to have alcohol-free pregnancies.”
As part of the ambassadorship, Dr Pittman will help encourage Australians to learn more about the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“The message we need to share very clearly is that at every stage of pregnancy, and when breastfeeding, any alcohol you drink passes directly to your developing baby,” says Dr Pittman.
“That’s why the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking (the Guidelines) say that women who are pregnant should not drink alcohol – and for women who are breastfeeding, not drinking alcohol is safest for their baby.”
Dr Pittman believes the topic of alcohol and pregnancy and breastfeeding isn’t discussed enough, “particularly at the very early stages of family planning”, something she is hoping to change.
“I’m hoping we can start more conversations about supporting alcohol-free pregnancies, and promote evidence-based strategies to ensure breastmilk that is fed to babies is alcohol-free too.
This includes helping health professionals to have these important conversations with mums-to-be, and providing advice that’s based on the latest research,” she says.
Health effects of alcohol
Drinking alcohol during any stage of pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which causes a range of physical, behavioural and cognitive problems.
FASD is the leading preventable developmental disability in Australia and can cause challenges with speech and language development, learning, behaviour, motor skills, sensory processing and social interactions.
“The support of partners, friends and family is critical for people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant,” says Dr Pittman.
“Not drinking alcohol is infinitely more manageable when others aren’t drinking, so one of the best ways to support someone you care about is to join them in stopping.”
“You can also plan social events without alcohol, provide or bring alcohol-free drinks to gatherings, or simply show support for someone if they’re being pressured to drink alcohol in social situations.”
To learn more, visit: everymomentmatters.org.au.
