This week is World Breastfeeding Week which is aimed to raise awareness among decision-makers, workplaces and the wider community about the importance of breastfeeding and its many benefits for both parents and children.

We spoke with Midwife and Lactation Consultant Rosemary about the importance of breastfeeding.

“As a parent breast feeding is the best gift you can give to your baby, it is challenging but tremendously rewarding at the same time,” Rosemary said.

“To help new parents navigate the first few weeks of life here are some helpful tips; babies have their own body clock and routines are not established in the first few weeks so stay relaxed and flexible about feeding times and sleep times.

“nsure there is support around you to allow you time to respond to your baby's need and care for your own needs as well.

“Askfor help as parenting is a new experience for many and babies are all different therefore it is not expected that parents will have the answers to all concerns.”

Rosemary said there is never a question that shouldn't be asked -there is never a question that is too simplistic.

“There is lots of information and advice around breastfeeding a newborn-how to latch and how to wind a baby and when to feed a baby,” Rosemary said.

“Parents should seek help from credible sources and from child health nurses and midwives and lactation consultants in your community. 

“When your baby is crying it is trying to communicate to you. If you are unsure as to why your baby is crying think about all the things your baby needs. Does it need food -does it need to burp or to get rid of wind somehow or does it need a cuddle.”

Rosemary believes every parent is doing their best to care for their baby in the best possible way and breast feeding is a vital component of that care as it not only gives their baby the best start to their life but sets them up for the best health in the future.

Did you know most Wesley Midwives are also qualified lactation consultants (IBCLCs)? They can support you on the ward after the birth of your baby and even once you go home with your newborn.

Through the Wesley Maternity Home Visiting Service, you can make an appointment to see a qualified lactation consultant providing you with expert personalised breast-feeding support.

Sessions last an hour and are dedicated to breastfeeding where the consultant will teach you about feeding cues, latching, milk supply and so much more plus answer any questions you may have.

All the Lactation Consultants are registered providers with HICAPS, please check with your individual health insurance provider for your rebate coverage. For more information or to book a session please call 07 3232 7432.

Additional Information and Resources

• Queensland Health Breastfeeding | Queensland Health and
• Health and Wellbeing Breastfeeding 101 | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
• Pregnancy Birth and Baby Breastfeeding your baby | Pregnancy Birth and Baby (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au)
• Australian Breastfeeding Association The home of trusted breastfeeding support, education and advocacy | Australian Breastfeeding Association
• Raising Children Newborns breastfeeding & bottle-feeding | Raising Children Network