b'ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERSA week in the life of an ABA volunteerE ach issue, we will feature the story of some of ourSACHELLES STORYamazing volunteers, as they share with us whatI attended a breastfeeding education class (BEC) when I was they get up to in a typical week of volunteering. Wepregnant with my son 8 years ago. I didnt know it at the time, are so grateful for the efforts of each and every one of ourbut dragging my husband along was the best thing I could volunteers across Australia. This issue we are delighted toever do. He remembered everything they spoke about and, introduce Sachelle from New South Wales and Mary fromat 3 am, when I was ready to stop breastfeeding and escape Queensland. the screaming, pain and sleep deprivation, my husband suggested freezing some wet nappies, reminded me why I wanted to breastfeed in the first place and encouraged me to Sachelle (left) and her fellow volunteer Rose persevere and call the Breastfeeding Helpline in the morning.This is why I wanted to volunteer, to pay it forward to other families and help them achieve their goals with breastfeeding. I have also made close friends and they have been my strength and support when I felt I didnt have any. I started training to be a community educator in 2012 and now hold the roles of BEC coordinator and fundraising coordinator in my local group and do LiveChat regularly. I am mum of two children, a university student, work casually, wife to a very supportive husband and manager of my daughters under 5s soccer team. I also volunteer for Camp Quality camps away from home.A typical week for me is attending university, school drop-off and pick-ups, swimming, soccer training, studying, emails and social media admin for my volunteer roles, attending group meetings when I can, soccer games, a shift at work and housework as my husband works in the city and is on call 24/7. On Tuesdays once the kids are in bed, I find a comfortable place to sit with my computer and log into LiveChat. I answer as many calls as I can as fast as I can to help families with their questions. Sometimes I do a fist pump when I know Ive made a difference to that person on the other end with their child. I became a volunteer for those moments and it is totally worth it!26| Essence | Australian Breastfeeding AssociationDecember 2019'