Support available for breastfeeding journey

Townsville HHS midwives are reminding women that their breastfeeding journey is their own, and that support is available to those who want it this World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August).

“Breastfeeding is different for every mum and what works for one family won’t necessarily work for another,” lactation consultant Nicky Audas said.

“We respect a woman’s feeding choice; however, we want all women to know that support is available and, as a baby-friendly hospital, we are all committed to helping however possible on a woman’s breastfeeding journey.”

Nicky said when it came to breastfeeding, new mums often put a lot of pressure on themselves.

“Women judge themselves very harshly when it comes to breastfeeding and it’s important that they aren’t afraid to seek support if they need it,” Nicky said.

Lianne Crosby is mum to four-week-old Jaxon and said having access to support changed her whole breastfeeding experience.

“With my first son I had a lot of difficulties breastfeeding; I was in a different town, I had a traumatic birth and I didn’t have a lot of support, so I think it all led to a negative breastfeeding experience,” Lianne said.

“My second experience has been completely different; I went through the midwifery group practice and my midwife, Sam, has been with me every step of the way. 

“Sam passes on advice from lactation consultants and they check in with her about how I’m going.

“I still went through the difficult parts at the start; worrying am I feeding him enough, will my milk come in, but I’ve had support from the start which made all the difference.”

Lianne said she encouraged other mums to reach out for support.

“I was really nervous about my second breastfeeding experience; I had all my bottles ready to go because I was fully prepared not to be able to breastfeed,” Lianne said.

“My biggest advice to any mums who had a negative first experience, or even mums going through their first breastfeeding experience, is to be open minded; every baby is very different.

“Support has been vital in my journey; there is an abundance out there and it’s so important to reach out and access it.”

Townsville HHS provides lactation consultants to the bedside seven days a week while a woman is in hospital during the antenatal period, postnatal period. Support it also available after discharge from the hospital through lactation clinics at our Kirwan Community Health Campus. Please phone the Child, Youth and Family Health Service on 4433 9000 to make an appointment.

Advice is available from the Australian Breastfeeding Association 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phoning 1800 686 268.