Breastfeeding is best for you and your baby, but it isn't always easy. It takes time and practise. It can take about 6 weeks for you and your baby to learn the skill of breastfeeding.
There are many support services that can help you.
Transcript: Breastfeeding - good things take time
Call the Breastfeeding Helpline on 1800 686 268 to speak with a breastfeeding counsellor.
Free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
If you need an interpreter:
You can also download the Mum2Mum app to:
There are free local services to help you with breastfeeding. Support may be online or face-to-face.
Child and family health centres offer many services to help your child grow up strong and healthy. They are free for NSW parents and carers of children aged 0-5 years.
The Breastfeeding your Baby book is a must-read for every new parent. It has information on:
You can also read the book in these languages:
You can also read the ABA's How Breastfeeding Works in several languages.
There are many options to help you keep breastfeeding when you return to work. You can talk to your child and family health nurse or ABA about what might work best for you.
Planning can help make a smoother transition back to work for your family.
The ABA has useful information for mothers, carers and workplaces. You can continue to breastfeed or express milk for your baby. Your workplace needs to make reasonable attempts to support you.
Breastfeeding with COVID-19 or flu has information on breastfeeding if you have these illnesses.
