BREASTFEEDING

CONFIDENCE
Don’t be concerned if breastfeeding isn’t what you
expected. Like anything worth doing, it takes practice.
This booklet has been developed by the Australian
Breastfeeding Association (ABA) as a quick guide on the
essentials of breastfeeding.

It is a great start, but the ABA recommends all expectant

and new parents also visit our website for:

• Free resources including website articles on commonly

asked breastfeeding questions
• Contact details for ʴʵʴ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧˜ˡˬˢ˨˥˟ˢ˖˔˟˔˥˘˔
• Information on upcoming dates and locations of antenatal
Breastfeeding Education Classes in your area
• Low-cost booklets (downloadable or printed) that expand
ˢˡ˩˔˥˜ˢ˨˦˦ˣ˘˖˜˙˜˖˧ˢˣ˜˖˦
• Resources in other languages.
Support
is crucial for
breastfeeding mothers

Establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship

can often come down to the support you receive and
having your questions answered.

Please don’t hesitate to call the free National

Breastfeeding Helpline at any time for any questions.

Trained volunteer counsellors are available 24 hours a

day, ʪ days a week.
Become an ABA
member
Please consider becoming
a member of the Australian
Breastfeeding Association.

As an ABA member you will be

welcomed into a warm,
friendly organisation that can
give you the practical support
you may need. You will receive
unlimited access to local group
meetings in your area, ˪˛˜˖˛˜˦˔
˚˥˘˔˧˪˔ˬ˧ˢˠ˘˘˧ˢ˧˛˘˥
˕˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˚ˠˢ˧˛˘˥˦˔ˡ˗˚˘˧
˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧˙˥ˢˠ˟ˢ˖˔˟
˕˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˚˖ˢ˨ˡ˦˘˟˟ˢ˥˦ʡ

ˇ˛˘ˠ˔ˡˬˢ˧˛˘˥˕˘ˡ˘˙˜˧˦ˢ˙ʴʵʴ
membership include being able
to attend a Breastfeeding
Education Class (classes are
only available to ABA members),
half price breast pump hire,
discounted ABA booklets and
resources and a free copy of
the ABA’s comprehensive book
ʵ˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˚Ϧˡ˔˧˨˥˔˟˟ˬ
(RRP $34.95).

Especially written for Australian

families, Breastfeeding…
naturally can help answer the
questions nearly every parent
has about breastfeeding.
Breastfeedling...naturally
˙˘˔˧˨˥˘˦˨ˣʠ˧ˢʠ˗˔˧˘˦˖˜˘ˡ˧˜˙˜˖
research and the collective
wisdom of thousands of
Australian mothers.

For more information on

membership of the ABA please
visit ˕˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˚ʡ˔˦ˡʡ˔˨.

ʴ˦˔ˡˢ˧ʠ˙ˢ˥ʠˣ˥ˢЁ˧ˢ˥˚˔ˡ˜˦˔˧˜ˢˡʟˬˢ˨˥ˠ˘ˠ˕˘˥˦˛˜ˣ˙˘˘˪˜˟˟˛˘˟ˣ
us to continue to provide free brochures like this one and other
services to help support Australian parents just like you!
Breastfeeding is
normal & natural

It is a rewarding experience for

both mother and baby. Baby
The early days and weeks are • Breastmilk provides all
a time for learning. the food and drink a
baby needs for about
Breastfeeding doesn’t always the first 6 months of life
• Breastmilk provides
the right support and resistance to disease
information most women do via antibodies and other
breastfeed successfully.
infections
WHAT BREASTFEEDING • Babies who are not
breastfed have an
PROVIDES increased risk of:
~ common illnesses
such as gastroenteritis,
Mother respiratory and ear
infections
• Breastfeeding protects ~ SIDS
the mother’s health. ~ Becoming overweight
Mothers who have or obese
not breastfed have an ~ lower IQ
increased risk of breast ~ necrotising enterocolitis
cancer, ovarian cancer and sepsis (amongst
and diabetes. premature babies).
• Breastfeeding helps
the uterus return to its
pre-pregnant state and The World Health Organization
aids weight loss. recommends that infants be
• Breastfeeding usually exclusively breastfed for the
delays the return of first 6 months and then
periods. ongoing breastfeeding until 2
• Exclusive breastfeeding years and beyond with
can act as a appropriate introduction of
contraceptive. complementary foods.
After your baby is born
what to expect
Healthy newborn babies instinctively know what to do
if they are placed skin-to-skin on their mother’s body
straight after birth.

However, while natural, breastfeeding is still a learned

skill, at least for the mother.

After giving birth, a mother is often tired or sleep-

deprived and emotional from the hormone changes.

It isn’t always like those romantic images you had in

your head of a mother breastfeeding her baby!

ˆˢˠ˘˪ˢˠ˘ˡ˕˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˘˔˦˜˟ˬ˙˥ˢˠ˧˛˘Ё˥˦˧˗˔ˬ˔ˡ˗
never have a problem, but many meet hurdles
somewhere along the road.

Don’t worry if breastfeeding isn’t as you expected at

Ё˥˦˧ʡʿ˜˞˘˔ˡˬ˧˛˜ˡ˚˪ˢ˥˧˛˗ˢ˜ˡ˚ʟ˜˧˧˔˞˘˦˧˜ˠ˘˔ˡ˗
practice!

Problems can usually be solved. Help is available.

As breastfeeding is a practical skill, it helps to have
contact with other mothers who are breastfeeding.
ABA local support groups can help put you in contact
with other mothers in your area.

The ABA booklet Breastfeeding: an introduction will

give you a lot more information about what to expect
˜ˡ˧˛ˢ˦˘Ё˥˦˧˙˘˪˪˘˘˞˦˔˙˧˘˥˕˔˕ˬ˜˦˕ˢ˥ˡʡ
How to position
your baby for feeding

When your baby is breastfeeding, it should feel comfortable

and should not hurt. Many mothers experience pain with initial
attachment in the early weeks but pain that lasts beyond this
is usually a sign that the baby is not on the breast properly.

When your baby is on your breast the right way:

• it doesn’t hurt
• your baby has a good mouthful of breast
• your baby’s lips are slightly curled back, especially the lower
lip
• ˬˢ˨˥˕˔˕ˬʚ˦˟ˢ˪˘˥˟˜ˣ˜˦˧˨˥ˡ˘˗ˢ˨˧ʡʼ˧ʚ˦ˡˢ˥ˠ˔˟˙ˢ˥ˬˢ˨˥˕˔˕ˬʚ˦
˨ˣˣ˘˥˟˜ˣ˧ˢ˥˘˦˧˜ˡ˔ˡ˘˨˧˥˔˟ˣˢ˦˜˧˜ˢˡˢˡˬˢ˨˥˕˥˘˔˦˧
• your baby’s chest is against your chest
• you may hear your baby swallow
• your baby’s tongue is well forward over the bottom gum and
cupping the breast.
Attachment
Immediately after birth, baby-led
attachment is the term given to the
process where your baby follows
her instincts to get to your breast.

In general, when your baby is well

attached to your breast, she should
be able to get a good mouthful of
breast easily. Her mouth should be
wide open, ˟ˢ˪˘˥˟˜ˣ˧˨˥ˡ˘˗ˢ˨˧˪˔˥˗˦
ʛˢ˥˙˟˔ˡ˚˘˗ʜ. It is normal for the upper
lip to rest in a neutral position on the
breast.

Positioning
There are many different positions
to breastfeed in. There is no
‘ideal’ position. If it works for you,
your baby is getting milk and it is
pain-f˥ee – go with it!

ʚI thought breastfeeding would

just come naturally.

My baby and I had some

˗˜˙Ё˖˨˟˧˜˘˦˪˜˧˛˔˧˧˔˖˛ˠ˘ˡ˧ʡʼ˧
took a while for me to feel
comfortable and in control
again.ʚ

Photos courtesy of Amanda Radovic

 How often should I
feed my baby?
Breastfeeding your baby You cannot overfeed a
whenever he wants is the breastfed baby. Babies are
key to building a good born with the instinct to
supply and preventing many know when they have had
problems. This means enough and this matches
offering your baby the their bodies’ needs.
breast whenever he shows
signs of hunger during the Feeding patterns change. Let
day and night. It also means your baby lead you.
˟˘˧˧˜ˡ˚˛˜ˠЁˡ˜˦˛˔˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˛˜˦
own time and come off the Feed according to need!
breast by himself.

Babies vary in their feeding ʚJust before James turned ʩ

needs. They may need to weeks, there were ʦ days
feed as many as 10-15 times where I felt like I was
or as few as 6-8 times within feeding him all the time. I
24 hours. Some feed
thought I’d never get
quickly, some feed slowly.
Some feed in spurts with through it, then suddenly I
rests in between and some had a baby who was very
seem to feed ‘all the time’! content and started to sleep
in longer stretches at night
– what a bonus!ʚ

See the ABA booklet Breastfeeding: an introduction for more

information about positioning, attachment and feeding patterns
˜ˡ˧˛˘Ё˥˦˧˙˘˪˪˘˘˞˦ʡ
How do I know if I have
enough milk?
Many women worry about ˕˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗ˠˢ˥˘ˢ˙˧˘ˡ˧˛˔ˡ
how much milk their ˨˦˨˔˟ʡ
breastfed baby is getting.
Low milk supply is the reason You may have heard these
most often given by mothers times referred to as ‘growth
who have given up spurts’ or ‘appetite
breastfeeding. Yet it is increases’. You may also
˨ˡ˖ˢˠˠˢˡ for mothers not hear it called a ‘wonder
to be able to produce week’.
enough milk. Only a very
small number of mothers It is now known that, after the
cannot breastfeed for newborn period, babies do
physical reasons. not need increased amounts
of milk as they grow bigger.
Some signs to look for to After ʦ months, babies grow
make sure your baby is more slowly and use ˧˛˘ˠ˜˟˞
getting enough milk: ˠˢ˥˘˘˙˙˜˖˜˘ˡ˧˟ˬʡ
• Does your baby have at
least six pale yellow, wet If your older baby is
˖˟ˢ˧˛ˡ˔ˣˣ˜˘˦ˢ˥˙˜˩˘˛˘˔˩˜˟ˬ unsettled, it may not be
wet disposable nappies per because they require more
day? milk - therefore giving a
• Does your baby have bottle is not the solution at
regular soft bowel motions? this time. This can in fact
Babies under ʩ weeks ofage create a problem with your
usually have at least 3-4 milk supply, because your
bowel motions in a 24-hour baby will take less from the
period. Babies older thanthis breast and this could reduce
may have fewer bowel your milk supply.
motions.
• Is your baby gaining weight The best way is to follow your
˔ˡ˗˦˧˔˥˧˜ˡ˚˧ˢ˙˜˟˟ˢ˨˧˛˘˥ ˕˔˕ˬϞ˦˟˘˔˗˔ˡ˗˙˜˧˜ˡ˦ˢˠ˘
clothes? extra feeds for a couple of
days (if your baby seems to
There will be some periods of want them) and your baby
time when your baby seems should soon settle down
more fussy and wants to again.

The ABA booklet Breastfeeding: and your supply has a lot more
˜ˡ˙ˢ˥ˠ˔˧˜ˢˡˬˢ˨ˠ˜˚˛˧Ёˡ˗˨˦˘˙˨˟˜˙ˬˢ˨˛˔˩˘ˤ˨˘˦˧˜ˢˡ˦˔˕ˢ˨˧
your supply.

‘It seemed like Lucy wanted to feed again just after I

Ёˡ˜˦˛˘˗ʡʼ˥˘˔˗˔˕ˢˢ˞˟˘˧˧˛˔˧˘˫ˣ˟˔˜ˡ˘˗˧˛˔˧ʿ˨˖ˬ˪ˢ˨˟˗
have fussy periods from time to time, and she would
probably ask for more feeds. After a few days she went
back to normal.’
What is the
˟˘˧ʠ˗ˢ˪ˡ˥˘Ђ˘˫ʲ
ˇ˛˘˟˘˧ʠ˗ˢ˪ˡ˥˘Ђ˘˫˜˦˔ To encourage your let-down,
natural process that occurs it helps to be relaxed and
with breastfeeding which comfortable. Avoid
ˠ˔˞˘˦ˠ˜˟˞Ђˢ˪ϛˢ˥˟˜˧˘˥˔˟˟ˬ distractions and focus on
rush – towards the nipple. your baby. You may even
Ёˡ˗˧˛˔˧ˢ˩˘˥˧˜ˠ˘˝˨˦˧
For some mothers the let- hearing your baby cry can
down is quite a strong tingly cause a let-down!
feeling. Many mothers do
not feel this, but it does not
mean the let-down is not
working. Milk may drip from
your other breast.

SOME HELPFUL TIPS

if you have sore breasts or nipples
• Try different feeding positions.
• After feeding, express a little milk onto your nipple
and areola and air dry.
• If a duct is blocked, gentle massage from the
blockage towards the nipple can help. Apply
cold packs after feeding if this helps you feel more
comfortable.
 Nipple soreness
What you
need
In the early weeks, many
mothers feel pain that ceases

to
after initial attachment. If the
pain continues past this point,
it is usually caused by poor
attachment of your baby to
the breast (continued correct
attachment can help heal
know
sore nipples).

Engorgement Blocked duct

~ Full, painful breasts
This can be a hard
Some mothers get painful lump in the
engorged breasts breast. The lump may
when their mature look red and feel tender
milk comes in and and you may have a
their breasts mild fever. A gentle
become very full massage towards the
and tight. It may nipple (especially in the
help to use a cold shower and when
compress (frozen breastfeeding) can
disposable nappy or help clear the lump.
a cold pack) on the
engorged breasts.
The baby’s frequent
feeding is the best Mastitis
way to prevent the
breasts getting too
full and to relieve the breast which may
the fullness should follow a blocked milk
duct or engorgement.
may be improved
by gentle massage the breast becomes
of the breasts. This red, hot and painful.
can be done before You are likely to have a
and during feeds.
feeling. Keep
breastfeeding to keep
Remember...
Ongoing pain is not normal the breast and seek
when breastfeeding. If you medical advice as
are feeling pain, call the soon as possible.
Breastfeeding Helpline on
1800 ˠ˨ˠʥˠ˨ˠ
For more information see the
(1800 686 268) for more
ABA booklet Breastfeeding:
tips.
breast and nipple care.
Your baby’s
weight
Some mothers worry that
their baby is not growing as It is normal for babies
they expect or compared ˧ˢlose weight after
with other babies they know. they are born, no
It’s important to remember
that all babies are
matter what or how
different. The weight and they are fed.
height charts used by your
local child health nurse It is normal for
provide a general guide to breastfed babies to
the overall trend of your
baby’s health. ˟ˢ˦˘˪˘˜˚˛˧˙ˢ˥˧˛˘˙˜˥˦˧
˙˘˪days after birth.
Many other factors
contribute to the rate of Weight loss in
weight gain, including
sickness, the clothes the
newborns is expressed
baby is wearing, whether the as a percentage of the
scales used are the same, birthweight.
˪˛˘˧˛˘˥˧˛˘˕˔˕ˬ˛˔˦˝˨˦˧
˕˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˗ˢ˥˜˦˗˨˘˙ˢ˥˔˙˘˘˗ A maximum weight
and your baby’s previous
growth. ˟ˢ˦˦ˢ˙ʪʠʤʣʘ˜ˡ˧˛˘Ё˥˦˧
week is considered
Breastfed babies can have normal.
different weight gain
patterns from babies fed
formula. Remember that
weight gain is only one of the
things used to assess infant
health (speak to your child
health nurse if you have any
further concerns).
Sleep
It’s normal for babies to
wake through the night
to feed, for a cuddle, or
a nappy change.

Mothers may also need

those feeds to avoid very
full breasts and make lots of
milk the next day.
Breastfeeding hormones
help mothers get back
to sleep quicklyʡˊ˘˟˟ʠ
˗˥˔˜ˡ˘˗˕˥˘˔˦˧˦˔˟˦ˢ˘ˡ˦˨˥˘
˔˚ˢˢ˗ˠ˜˟˞˦˨ˣˣ˟ˬ.

Babies can be encouraged

to drink large volumes with
a bottle and some parents
hope this will make the baby
sleepier. Unfortunately infant
sleep is more complex than
that. Babies were designed
to regulate their own milk
intake according to their
unique growth and
development needs.
Research has shown that
giving a baby a bottle of
formula does not equal
improved sleep. ʵreastfed
babies are less likely to
wheeze, cough or have
problems breathing when
they sleep.

Every baby is different and it

We understand that sleep
is not possible to have a
ˣ˥˘˦˖˥˜ˣ˧˜˩˘ˢˡ˘ʠ˦˜˭˘ʠ˙˜˧˦ʠ˔˟˟ is an important factor for
approach to helping your manyparents and the
baby sleep. transition to broken sleep
can be challenging.

If you feel you need some

more support with this
topic, our ˕˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˚
˖ˢ˨ˡ˦˘˟˟ˢ˥˦are available
24/7 via ourBreastfeeding
Helpline on 1800 686 268.
 Looking after
yourself

ˀ˔ˡˬˣ˔˥˘ˡ˧˦˛˔˩˘˦˧˥ˢˡ˚˘ˠˢ˧˜ˢˡ˦˗˨˥˜ˡ˚˧˛˘Ё˥˦˧˙˘˪
weeks or months after the birth. Even when well prepared,
you can feel overwhelmed from the tiredness, isolation and
the hormones swirling through your body. It is important to
look after yourself during this time. Some helpful tips are:

ϥ ˊ˛˜˟˘˕˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˚ʟˬˢ˨˥˕ˢ˗ˬ˨˦˘˦˙ˢˢ˗ˠˢ˥˘˘˙˙˜˖˜˘ˡ˧˟ˬ
but you may feel hungrier than usual. There is no need for
special foods. Choose a variety of healthy foods from the
˙˜˩˘ˠ˔˜ˡ˙ˢˢ˗˚˥ˢ˨ˣ˦ʡ
ϥ Use breastfeeding as a rest time by breastfeeding lying
down whenever possible.
ϥ When your baby sleeps, take a nap yourself whenever
possible.
ϥ Do only the most basic housework.
ϥ Accept all offers of helpʡ
ϥ Try to avoid seeing too many visitors ˜˙ˬˢ˨˙˜ˡ˗˧˛˜˦˧˜˥˜ˡ˚ʡ
Ask them to get you a drink or help with jobs like washing up
or putting the washing on the line.
ϥ Go out of the house and get some fresh air.
ϥ Take some time for yourself alone.
 By caring for yourself you are caring for your baby.

It can be really helpful to meet other mothers going

through the same experiences that you are. ABA local
groups are a great way to meet other mothers in your
area who are also breastfeeding. Find the local group in
your area on the ABA website: www.breastfeeding.asn.au.

ˌˢ˨ˠ˔ˬ˔˟˦ˢЁˡ˗˧˛˘ʴʵʴ˕ˢˢ˞˟˘˧Breastfeeding: diet,
exercise, sex and more useful.

How can
partners
help?
There are lots of ways
partners can be directly
involved in caring for a baby,
without the need to do the
feeding. These include:

• Bringing the mother a

glass of water or
˦ˢˠ˘˧˛˜ˡ˚ toeat whileshe
isbreastfeeding
• Making sure she has
access to the television
remote control or her
phone
• Looking after the baby
while Mum has a shower or
a sleep
• Cuddle and provide
skin-to-skin contact with
the baby when she is not
breastfeeding
• Take charge of baby’s
bathtime
• Take over the care of the
baby after a breastfeed by
doing the burping and
nappy changing
• Settle the baby for
bedtimeʡ
For more ideas see the ABA
booklet Breastfeeding:
supporting the new
mother.
Expressing &
storing
breastmilk

SOME HELPFUL TIPS

for expressing breastmilk
• Make sure any equipment you use has been
thoroughly cleaned and that your hands are
washed well.
• Set yourself up in a private and relaxed place. Think
about your baby and have a photo to look at to
˛˘˟ˣˬˢ˨˥˟˘˧ʠ˗ˢ˪ˡ˥˘Ђ˘˫˪ˢ˥˞ʡ
• Sit in a comfortable position and be as relaxed as
possible.

TWO MAIN METHODS

of expressing breastmilk
See the
• HAND ~ this is a skill that is easy to learn, ABA booklet
gentle, cost-free and convenient. Breastfeeding:
• PUMP ~ in hospital you may have used an expressing
electric breast pump. If you need one at and storing
home there is a range of smaller pumps, breastmilk
hand-operated and electric, that you can for additional
buy. practical tips.

Note: you can hire one of the large electric breast

pumps. The Australian Breastfeeding Association
offers a discount rate on breast pump hire for
members. Visit our website for more information.

SOME HELPFUL TIPS

for storing breastmilk
• When freezing breastmilk, leave some space at the top
of the container (it expands as it freezes).
• Freeze in small amounts to avoid wastage eg 50mL.
• To defrost frozen milk, either put it in the refrigerator
overnight, or place it in a bowl of warm water (not hot)
and gently move it about.
• If breastmilk is left standing, the fat will separate and
rise to the top. Gently swirl to remix.
 Storage of
breastmilk
for home use
Room
Breastmilk Refrigerator
temperature Freezer
status (5°C or lower)
(26°C or lower)

2 weeks in
freezer
compartment
insider
refrigerator
No more than (-15°C)
6-8 hours 72 hours.
Freshly
If refrigeration is 3 months in
expressed into
available, store Store in back, freezer section
container
milk there where it is of refrigerator
coldest with separate
door (-18°C)

6-12 months
in deep freeze
(-20°C*)

Previously
4 hours or less –
frozen – thawed
that is, until the 24 hours Do not refreeze
in refrigerator
next feeding
but not warmed

Thawed
outside For completion 4 hours or until
Do not refreeze
refrigerator in of feeding next feeding
warm water

Infant has Only for comple-

Discard Discard
begun feeding tion of feeding

*Chest or upright manual defrost deep freezer that is opened

infrequently and maintains ideal temperature.

Reproduced with permission from National Health and Medical Research Council
2012, Infant Feeding Guidelines. NHMRC, Canberra p59.
 Getting
out &
about

Breastfeeding a baby does not mean that you are tied down.
In fact it is easier to go out at short notice because you have
all your baby’s food and drink needs wherever you go!

As a new mother you can feel quite alone and it is important

to have some social time just for yourself. Learning to
express and store breastmilk is helpful in allowing you to have
a break.

Breastfeeding a baby does not mean that you are tied

down.

Stay connected
on our social media pages
ABA’s social media pages facebook.com/ozbreastfeeding
are a great way to keep
up-to-date with
breastfeeding information twitter.com/ozbreastfeeding
and connect with other
mothers. instagram.com/ozbreastfeeding

Join our online community on Facebook, Instagram and

Twitter today. Search ‘ozbreastfeeding’.
 Breastfeeding &
work

There are a range of options • The baby gets sick less

open to a working mother often.
including: • The mother can still keep
the close bond with her
• Expressing at work and baby and maintain her
feeding the baby expressed own long-term health
breastmilk. ˕˘ˡ˘Ё˧˦ʡ
• Having the child in care • The workplace also
nearby or working from home. ˕˘ˡ˘Ё˧˦˕˘˖˔˨˦˘˔
• Giving bottle feeds when she breastfed baby means
cannot be present, and less time off work for
breastfeeding the rest of the the parents, lower staff
time. turnover, reduced training
costs and a positive
ʿˢ˧˦ˢ˙ˣ˘ˢˣ˟˘˕˘ˡ˘Ё˧˙˥ˢˠ˔ corporate image.
mother combining
breastfeeding and work:

Visit www.breastfeeding.asn.au/workplace for

answers to frequently asked questions and free
practical resources to help you combine working
and breastfeeding.

You can also refer to the ABA booklet Breastfeeding:

women and work for additional information on how to
combine working with breastfeeding.
About
ABA
The Australian Breastfeeding
ʴ˦˦ˢ˖˜˔˧˜ˢˡ˜˦˔ˡˢ˧ʠ˙ˢ˥ʠˣ˥ˢЁ˧
organisation founded in 1964
to encourage and support
mothers who would like to
breastfeed their babies, while
creating in the community
an awareness of the
importance of human milk.

One of Australia’s largest

ˡˢˡʠˣ˥ˢЁ˧˪ˢˠ˘ˡϞ˦
organisations, there are
around 230 ABA groups
nationwide and close to 700
trained breastfeeding
counsellors. Over 200,000
Australians have been
members of the Association
at some time since its
beginning.

Contacting ABA
Australian Breastfeeding Association
ˁ˔˧˜ˢˡ˔˟ʻ˘˔˗˂˙Ё˖˘
PO Box 33221, Melbourne VIC 3004
T: 1800 686 268 (Breastfeeding Helpline)
T: (03) 9690 4620 (General enquiries/Administration)
E: info@breastfeeding.asn.au
W: www.breastfeeding.asn.au

Information for this booklet was provided from the

following sources:
• Breastfeeding Information and Research
• National Health and Medical Research Council
Infant Feeding Guidelines (2012)
• 2010 Australian National Infant Feeding Survey
• Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)
• ABA counsellor surveys

© Australian Breastfeeding Association March 2019

 ABA RESOURCES
Available for purchase via our online shop

ABA’s bestselling guide to breastfeeding your baby,

Breastfeeding...naturally

BOOKLETS
Breastfeeding: an introduction
Breastfeeding: and crying babies
Breastfeeding: and family foods
ʵ˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˚ʭ˔ˡ˗˥˘Ђ˨˫
Breastfeeding: and sleep
Breastfeeding: and your supply
Breastfeeding: as your family grows
Breastfeeding: babies with a cleft of lip and/or palate
Breastfeeding: breast and nipple care
Breastfeeding: caesarean births and epidurals
Breastfeeding: diet, exercise, sex and more
Breastfeeding: expressing and storing breastmilk
Breastfeeding: lactation suppression
Breastfeeding: relactation and induced lactation
Breastfeeding: supporting the new mother
Breastfeeding: twins, triplets and more
ʵ˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˚ʭ˨˦˜ˡ˚˔˕˥˘˔˦˧˙˘˘˗˜ˡ˚˦˨ˣˣ˟˘ˠ˘ˡ˧˘˥
Breastfeeding: weaning
Breastfeeding: when your baby refuses the breast
Breastfeeding: women and work
Breastfeeding: your baby with Down ˦yndrome
Breastfeeding: your premature baby
 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Do you need
breastfeeding
support?
ABA’s Breastfeeding Helpline is
available 24/7, 365 days a year.

TEAR OFF AND KEEP THIS PAGE ON YOURFRIDGE

The National Breastfeeding Helpline is supported by funding from the
Australian Government.