Help and support with breastfeeding
It is okay to ask for help if you are finding it difficult. Breastfeeding is something that mums and babies need to learn. Sometimes partners and families need support too.
Support from partners, families and friends can help mums to continue breastfeeding.
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
Qualified child health nurses are available to provide you with breastfeeding advice and support, from 6:30am to 11:00pm, 7 days a week, for the cost of a local call.
Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and ask to speak with a child health nurse.
Child health centres
Your local community nurse can help you learn how to care for your new baby, including breastfeeding.
To find your local child health centre:
- call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- search community health centres by location
- ask your local maternity hospital.
Australian Breastfeeding Association
Call the Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268). Trained volunteer mums are available to help you with your breastfeeding concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Lactation consultants
A lactation consultant helps you with breastfeeding and will help you solve any problem you might have.
They work out of private clinics, maternity hospitals and health centres, and may also make home visits. You can see them for free in some public hospitals and child health clinics, otherwise you can pay for a private consultation (private health rebates may apply—check with your provider).
Search online or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to find a lactation consultant in your area.
Breastfeeding classes
Before you give birth, you can do an Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) course that will teach you breastfeeding techniques and how to care for your newborn.
Many maternity hospitals also offer antenatal classes, which include breastfeeding. Check with your local antenatal clinic.
Feeling anxious or stressed?
If you are feeling unable to cope with everyday tasks, help is available.
Contact the Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA) on 1300 726 306 if you or your partner are feeling depressed or anxious. PANDA is a confidential service, available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm.
Postnatal depression affects almost 16% of Australian women. Having a baby is a life-changing event and coping with the day-to-day stress of a newborn can lead to depression in some mums during this time.