The association wants to raise awareness of the importance of mothering, particularly the support ABA volunteers give to mothers to help them breastfeed their babies.

The group has more than 1000 volunteer breastfeeding counsellors around the country who have undertaken an extensive training course to provide help to other mothers.

"It's great to get advice, mum to mum," said ABA counsellor and mum, Nicole Ashton.

"New mums get a chance to meet other mothers and have their breastfeeding questions answered by a qualified breastfeeding counsellor".

Ms Ashton said mums found the support to be a great help in getting through the early days with a new baby.

Along with local mother support groups, the association runs a telephone helpline that handles about 1000 calls a week.

"Local women here in the Hastings region help staff the helpline by taking calls from home," Ms Ashton said.

"We're busy mums with families of our own, so we know what new parents are going through and are happy to lend a friendly ear."

Hastings branch of the Australian Breastfeeding Association holds meetings every second Thursday at Mac Adams Centre, Port Macquarie, from 10am to noon.

For more information, contact Ms Ashton on 0448 509 830.

michelle.tapping @ruralpress.com