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Having trouble breastfeeding? Pinky McKay, well-known author and internationally certified lactation consultant, has answered a series of questions as our online breastfeeding expert in our community forum. Questions and Pinky's answers can be viewed online here. |
This page has some basic information regarding breastfeeding
together with links to some online guides. If you have concerns about any
feeding issues, consult your local GP or
Child Health Nurse or seek
assistance from one services listed on our breastfeeding help page.
Everyone agrees that breastfeeding is best for baby. Breast milk is made
especially for your baby. It provides a convenient, safe and natural source
of the right protein, carbohydrate, fat, minerals and vitamins, as well as
valuable protection against infections, diseases, allergies and food
intolerances. And although it's a very
natural thing to do, getting it right doesn't always come naturally and easily.
Make sure that you get assistance from your midwives whilst you are still in
hospital and if you experience problems,
or have any concerns about breastfeeding, for whatever reason,
seek help - don't give up! There are experienced specialists out there - see our special
page entitled getting help with breastfeeding for
sources of local help.
| Babies Best Chance at a Healthy Life |
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| Is feeding your baby taking too much time? |
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| Breastfeeding vs Formula - The Code |
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| Dos and Don'ts; while I breastfeed? |
Baby Friendly Health Initiative
"The Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) is an international project that aims to give every baby the best start in life by creating a
health care environment where breastfeeding is the norm and practices known to promote the health and well-being of all babies and their
mothers are followed." We have identified hospitals which have been accredited by the BFHI in our
maternity hospitals and midwife managed birthing centres listings. Further information
is also available on the BFHI website.
equipment needed
The only really essential items that you need are well-fitting maternity bras and
breastpads (you may find that you don't use pads regularly, so only buy a
small number before the birth). You may, however,
want to have some other items available, such as:
- shoulder 'cloths' for burping / spills
for expressing breastmilk - basic bottlefeeding equipment (such as bottles and teats)
- small sterlised bags for freezing breastmilk
- breastpump
Most of these items are widely available from general nursery stores,
pregnancy & baby boutiques, chemists and supermarkets. Items, including feeding pillows and clothing
specifically designed for 'discreet' breastfeeding, are also available
from retailers identified in our feeding products page.
hiring breast pumps
Breastpumps can be quite expensive items. They are readily available, so if you
are not sure if you'll need one or not, perhaps consider hiring one to see
what type suits you best. For details of companies providing a hire service, go to our nursery equipment hire page.
information about breastfeeding online
- Breast or Bottle, What will you choose from Australian Lactation Consultants Association (ALCA)
- breastfeeding information from the Parenting & Child Health section of the Child & Youth Health website, CYH, South Australia (this online article also has links to other articles relating to breastfeeding, such as coping with problems & medications)
- NSW Health Breastfeeding brochure (requires Adobe, takes time to download)
- a number of articles from the Australian Breastfeeding Association
- details of local ABA breastfeeding education classes
- a number of online articles from Queensland Health
- Breastfeeding or bottle feeding - which is best for babies? article from NSW Health website
- a range of articles, many including photos and diagrams from Medela
including latching on - a site dedicated to breastfeeding from the US - breastfeeding.com
- article from Bayside Breastfeeding Clinic, Brisbane 50 Things You Should Know About Infant Feeding (Word doc)
- How to sterilise bottles & utensils article from NSW Healt
healthy nutrition for the breastfeeding mother
It is particularly important to eat a well balanced diet whilst breastfeeding and
to ensure that you take sufficient fluids, especially during hot weather. To read
about suggested nutritional guidelines for lactation, see the online guides below:
- breastfeeding information from the Parenting & Child Health section of the Child & Youth Health website
- an article on alcohol use by the breastfeeding mother from Medela (US site)
- information on the effects of medications, alcohol, drugs & even silicone implants on breastmilk from Dr Tom Hale (US site
support groups
Australian Breastfeeding Association
Local ABA groups hold regular coffee mornings, outings and informative talks
for members. Trained breastfeeding counsellors attend meetings, which
provide an informal atmosphere to discuss your breastfeeding experiences and
concerns.
see our helplines & support organisations page for more local groups
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