About this service
North Canberra Hospital offers breastfeeding classes and a postnatal workshop on expressing and the very first feed, right through to established breastfeeding. We also discuss what to expect postnatally from your body and your baby.
We also offer Breastfeeding support through our Maternal and Child Health (MACH) service.
Who we care for
We care for people who are birthing at North Canberra Hospital.
How to access this service
To attend a breastfeeding class, speak to your treating team.
To attend the breastfeeding and postnatal workshop, contact the Antenatal Clinic on (02) 6201 6359 to make an appointment with a midwife and to book your parent education classes.
What to expect
Breastfeeding classes
You and any support people are welcome to attend the breastfeeding classes at North Canberra Hospital.
They are available to all women planning to birth at North Canberra Hospital during pregnancy/in the first 2 weeks after birth. Classes are held twice a week on Mondays from 10am to 11am and Fridays from 11am to 12pm in Nancy's Room (Parent Education Room) in the Maternity Ward on level 2 in the Marian Building. Please ask your treating team for more information.
Breastfeeding and postnatal workshop
The Breastfeeding and Postnatal Workshop covers antenatal expressing and the very first feed, right through to established breastfeeding. We also discuss what to expect postnatally from your body and your baby.
We cover topics including:
- What to expect in the early days after birth
- Why breastfeed?
- Normal behaviour of breastfeeding babies
- How to encourage babies to attach well to the breast
- How to make enough milk
- How to know if baby is getting enough
- Where to go for help and support with breastfeeding.
Resources
There are many support services available over the phone to give you information and advice about breastfeeding.
Australian Breastfeeding Association
The Australian Breastfeeding Association runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 mum to mum (1800 686 268) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This service is staffed by trained volunteer counsellors who answer calls on a roster system in their own home.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (operated by HealthDirect Australia)
Supporting parents on the journey from pregnancy to preschool.
Speak to a Maternal and Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance on pregnancy, birth, being a parent and raising a child.
Available 7am to midnight, 7 days a week (including public holidays)
Mothersafe
For support and information with medications while breastfeeding call 1800 647 848.
Consumer handouts
- Using a Breastfeeding Supplementer at Home [PDF 313kB]
- Bottle feeding [PDF 266kB]
- Breastfeeding and your baby - Mastitis [PDF 182kB]
- Breastfeeding and your baby - Positioning and attachment [PDF 203kB]
- Breastfeeding and your baby - Cracked and Sore nipples [PDF 139kB]
- Breastfeeding and your baby - Increasing your milk supply [PDF 142kB]
- Breastfeeding and your baby - Nipple Pain (vasospasm) [PDF 120kB]
- Breastfeeding and your baby - Partners and support people [PDF 129kB]
- Breastfeeding and your baby - What to expect from my baby [PDF 185kB]
- How can I tell that breastfeeding is going well [PDF 184kB]
Where we're located
We are based at North Canberra Hospital (formerly Calvary Public Hospital Bruce).