Breastfeeding sit-ins at local cafes will be held daily, helping to raise awareness of breastfeeding and give mothers a chance to connect with other women.

Childbirth educator Danielle Martin said members of the public could also help play an important role in supporting and promoting breastfeeding.

“Women feel good when they receive positive comments, particularly when they’re out and about. Some women can feel nervous about feeding in public because they don’t know what the reaction will be. If you feel apprehensive about feeding in public, this is a chance to do it with other mums around,” she said.

Anyone is welcome to attend a sit-in at Moshi Moshi from 10am today, Wednesday and Friday, or Cafe Latte tomorrow and Thursday.

Events during the week include a presentation on how men can assist their partners to establish breastfeeding at Kelly’s Hotel tomorrow night, and a screening of the acclaimed documentary Babies on Wednesday evening at Odeon 5 Cinemas.

A stall in Orange City Centre with the theme of “Talk to me about breastfeeding” will be available from 9am to 4pm all week.

According to data compiled by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, nearly 85 per cent of women are breastfeeding when they leave hospital with their baby, however, that drops to less than 50 per cent by six months of age.

Mrs Martin said education and support appeared to be critical factors in breastfeeding rates.

“We live in a fortunate time where women have a choice and they have the full range of options available to them, but at the end of the day breastfeeding can be a normal part of life,” she said.

Further information for breastfeeding mums is available on Facebook, with an online community entitled World Breastfeeding Week Orange 2011.