Breastfeeding and support

• Maternal and Child Health Nurse 24hr help line: 13 22 29
• Australian Breastfeeding Association 24hr help line: 1800 686 268 

• Australian Breastfeeding Association
• Raising Children Network
• The Royal Womens Hospital
• The Royal Children's Hospital
• Breastfeeding Online
• La Leche League Australia
• Low Milk Supply Org
• Breastfeeding Basics
• Attachment to the Breast
• Choosing a breast pump | Australian Breastfeeding Association
• Attaching your baby to the breast - Global health video

Translated breastfeeding information 

• The Royal Womens Hospital Phone: 8345 3190
• Monash Health Phone: 9594 2361

• Make sure you are comfortable, with your back and feet supported.
• Consider skin to skin with baby, make sure any clothing does not get in your way.
• Lean back and put baby on your chest. Gravity will help him snuggle his body into you and be TUMMY TO MUMMY or CHEST TO CHEST.  His hips will be flexed, and his legs/feet will support him.
• Bring baby close to you, so he looks like he is hugging your breast, rather than have his hands between your bodies.
• Help guide him so he is CHIN TO BREAST and the nipple is near his nose rather than his lips. Don’t hold his head to do this, bring his body in. Baby will be more comfortable if his chin is extended, not tucked to his chest.
• Try to let your breast stay in its normal position. If you need to support your breast - make sure your fingers are well back from the nipple, so baby is able to bring his chin out to the breast and not catch his chin on your fingers.
• When his chin touches the breast, he will open his mouth and latch on himself. He may do several fast sucks that help pull the nipple deep into his mouth. These sucks can sometimes pull or hurt a little for a moment or two.
• If you feel pain after baby has started to swallow, break the suction, check he is chest to chest, chin extended and nipple to nose, and try again.  (to break his suction, insert a clean finger between baby’s gums to break his seal.

• Baby has a large mouthful of breast.
• Baby’s chin is firmly touching your breast.
• It is comfortable when baby feeds (although the first few sucks may be strong).
• Baby’s chin massages the breast.
• Baby takes long rhythmic sucks and swallows (it’s normal for baby to pause from time to time). 

• Your baby is having about 8 or more feeds in 24hrs.
• Your baby is settled after most feeds.
• Your baby is alert and active when awake.
• Your baby’s urine is odourless and pale in colour. If using disposable nappies, at least some of the nappies each day are heavy and spongy after your milk “comes in’.
• Your baby has soft stools.
• Your baby is back to birth weight by about 2-3 weeks of age and continues to steadily gain weight. 

Did you know..

Babies who are breastfed are less likely to have:

• diarrhoea and vomiting
• chest infections
• ear infections
• fussiness about new foods
• constipation
• obesity, diabetes and other illnesses later in life
• eczema, asthma and food intolerances
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
    

Breastfeeding benefits mothers by:

• Lowering the risk of mum getting diabetes, some cancers, osteoporosis, and heart disease
• Naturally using up about 500 extra calories a day
• Saving money
• Is portable and convenient
• Is a unique experience for you and your baby  

If you need support prior to your appointment with the Melton Breastfeeding Support Service, you may find the following links and numbers helpful: 

HOSPITAL SERVICES (free)
Western Health - Sunshine Hospital 
A Breastfeeding Support Service with a lactation consultant for mothers/infants who have been born there.

Werribee Mercy Breastfeeding Support Service
For mothers/infants who have been born there.
Phone: 03 8754 3407
Werribee Mercy

For families within Moorabool Shire
Djerriwarrh Health Services Bacchus Marsh
Phone (voicemail) : 53679873.

PRIVATE PRACTICE LACTATION CONSULTANTS (IBCLC) - individual fee structures
Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand 
Provides access to professional private breastfeeding support