Speaker: Dr Sarah Bombell, GP Obstetrician and Lactation Consultant

My name is Sarah Bombell. I’m a GP, Obstetrician and Lactation Consultant, and I’m the Medical Director of the Mother Hub.

Well, pregnancy is a very exciting time and women want to know what they can do to ensure that they have a healthy pregnancy and a good outcome. So, in the same way that I talk to women about other health promotion activities, such as having a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing or stopping smoking, talking about alcohol use is an important aspect of their care. 

Probably the two most common I get about the use of alcohol during pregnancy are the woman who’s had a few drinks before finding out that she’s pregnant and wanting information about what impact that could have on the pregnancy. Women also ask whether it’s okay if they have a glass of wine at a special event, say at a friend’s wedding or a birthday celebration.

I do feel that patients put a lot of trust in health professionals. They see us as a trusted source of information, and because of that trust that patients place with us, I feel it is important that we stay up to date with the latest recommendations, including the NHMRC guidelines on alcohol and pregnancy.

I feel that the Every Moment Matters campaign is important because it really highlights the opportunity that we have as health professionals through our everyday health promotion activities to start up a conversation around the use of alcohol during pregnancy. 

Text on screen: For more information visit everymomentmatters.org.au

End slide: shows the Every Moment Matters logo and the FARE logo, with the text: This project is endorsed and funded by the Australian Government.