Breastfeeding Resources

We provide parents and carers with information and advice on breastfeeding at every stage of their journey.

Breastmilk offers all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months and offers many health benefits for both mother and baby. We recommend continued breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond in line with the World Health Organisation.

Breastfeeding is the biologically normal way to feed your baby, but it can be challenging.

For advice and support on child health, breastfeeding, early parenting and emotional wellbeing, call the Early Parenting Support (EPS) Line: (02) 5124 1775.

EPS can also connect families with additional services for follow-up care.

Explore our factsheets and FAQs to find help with usual challenges.

Health information sheets

FAQs

How do I set my breastfeeding journey up for success?

In this video we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about breastfeeding.

What support is available to help with breastfeeding?

Our midwives at Centenary Hospital for Women and Children and North Canberra Hospital are skilled in supporting breastfeeding. During your antenatal visit, discuss past breastfeeding experiences and feeding plans. After birth, our midwives and lactation consultants will support you in the hospital.

If you give birth at North Canberra Hospital, breastfeeding classes are available for you and your support people. The classes are offered on Mondays from 10am to 11am and Fridays from 11am to 12pm during your postnatal stay or before your discharge from our services.

Once home, our Midcall and Maternal Child and Family Health (MACH) service will continue to support you. You can also call MACH Early Parenting Support line at (02) 5124 1775.

Visit breastfeeding support to find out more about the options available and where to find them.

Do you offer breastfeeding classes for first-time mums?

Yes, our maternity services offers breastfeeding antenatal classes for first-time mothers. If you birth at Canberra Hospital, classes are held twice a week. Partners are welcome and encouraged to join.

If you give birth at North Canberra Hospital, breastfeeding classes are available for you and your partner. The classes are offered on Mondays from 10am to 11am and Fridays from 11am to 12pm during your postnatal stay or before your discharge from our services.

How do I know when my baby is ready to feed?

Responsive (demand or baby-led) feeding means letting your baby decide how often and how long they breastfeed. All babies benefit from this approach, regardless of how they are fed.

Instead of watching the clock, look for early feeding cues to know when your baby is hungry. These cues are the best time to feed.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough breastmilk?

Signs your baby is getting enough milk:

By 5 days old, your baby should have at least 4-8 wet, heavy nappies in 24 hours.
Expect several soft yellow mustard-coloured poos daily.
Your baby will want to breastfeed frequently (8-12 times or more in 24 hours).
They will wake up on their own for feeds, having alert periods, and seem content after feeding.

If you are worried, call our Early Parenting Support Line at (02) 5124 1775 or see your GP.

I am breastfeeding and can feel a lump in my breast. What do I do now?

A lump in the breast while breastfeeding is common. If it’s not painful, red, or hot, it could be a full milk duct and should reduce after a feed.

If a lump is tender:

feed on demand or express regularly
apply a warm compress before feeding and a cold compress after
take pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen
seek skilled breastfeeding support if needed.

Call our Early Parenting Support Line at (02) 5124 1775, see your GP or visit a Walk-In Centre if symptoms don’t improve within 12-24 hours or if you have flu-like symptoms.

What do I do if I have painful nipples?

Nipple pain is common but should not be severe. If painful:

gently stroke your breast before feeding
detach and reattach from the breast
change breastfeeding positions
use nipple cream or express a little breast milk to apply to the nipple.

Try baby-led breastfeeding or laid-back principles for a deep latch. If too painful, express milk to maintain supply while nipples heal. Seek skilled breastfeeding help if needed.

What do I do to about Breast Engorgement?

Full breasts are normal and settles after a feed. It can develop into breast engorgement. Engorgement is caused by a build-up of milk, combined with swelling in the breast tissue. When experiencing engorgement, you might find it difficult to get your milk to flow. Engorgement is common on day 3-5 following birth and can cause pain and discomfort.

To prevent it:

ensure a correct positioning and attachment
feed frequently from birth
feed without time limits.

If experiencing breast engorgement:

offer at least one whole breast at each feed
apply a warm compress before feeding and a cold compress after
use mild analgesia before feeding
wear a comfortable bra or no bra at all.

Expressing milk may help relieve pain but is best used as a one-time strategy.

These websites may help you to learn more about breastfeeding and provide useful resources for advice and support.