getting help with breastfeeding
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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. |
One of the most important factors for successful breastfeeding is correct
attachment of your child to your breast. If your child is attached
correctly, many common problems - such as sore, cracked and/or bleeding
nipples are much less likely to occur. Get help in the maternity hospital
itself. Ask for help and get your midwife to check that you are feeding correctly. In many hospitals,
staff will ensure that you have the correct technique before you leave,
but if you are still not sure, ask again.
If you do experience problems, and you are keen to continue nursing your
baby, seek advice as soon as you can. There are services
out there to help you - don't give up, perservere and you will be rewarded
with the most nutritious, economical and comforting way to feed your
child. If you'd like to read more about breastfeeding online, see our breastfeeding info page.
If you do have concerns, or you have a particular situation relating
either to yourself or to your baby which makes breastfeeding more challenging, such
as problems with supply, premature or hospitalised baby, allergies and facial abnormalities in your baby,
amongst others, help is available from the the following sources:
- local Child Health clinics
- Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) (formerly Nursing Mothers' Assoc. Australia - NMAA)
- Private Lactation Consultants & Clinics
- your GP
Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) (formerly Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia - NMAA) is a large community-based
self-help group, recognised as a leading authority on breastfeeding
management. The Association provides counselling and support
services to the community and health sector throughout Australia. You
will find a wealth of information for breastfeeding women on their
website.
The ABA operates free
7-day, Breastfeeding Telephone Helplines (click here for numbers)
with trained consultants on hand to answer queries.
The Association also runs local members'
groups where mothers can get together to discuss and support each other.
Trained breastfeeding counsellors attend these meetings and you can get
face-to-face help at a meeting. To obtain details of your nearest group,
click here.
Members of the ABA are
able to access resources, books, videos and hire equipment,
such as breastpumps, at discounted rates. Non-members are welcome to attend a group meeting
before joining and some groups also allow non-members to hire books and videos
from their libraries. Breastpump hire is available to non-members.
The 7-day helplines are available to both members and non-members.
Lactation Consultants & Clinics
Private lactation consultants offer specialist assistance for both common and
more unusual breastfeeding concerns. The Australian Lactation Consultants Association (ALCA) maintains a list
of all the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in private practice in Australia. Links to ALCA's regional database,
together with listings of additional private services, are available on our
Lactation Consultants page.
Chiropractors
Some breastfeeding problems have been associated with spine missalignment caused during the birth process - you may notice
your child only turning their head in one direction or favouring feeding on one side only. Chiropractors have had
success in treating infants through gentle, painless, spinal adjustments. For details of your nearest Chiropractor, contact the
Chiropractors Association of Australia
(request a chiropractor with special paediatric interest).
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Chiropractors, Babies & Colic Relief |
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