by Sally Foster (follow)

A list of breastfeeding support services available in Brisbane

For new mums, breastfeeding can sometimes be a difficult journey, and you may have a lot of questions or concerns and need some support. Brisbane has some wonderful support services available. Remember, it is always okay to ask for help.

This is not a complete list, so if you have come across any support services that have helped you, please comment below so we can update the list.



1. Local Support Groups

If you are feeling like you need a tribe to support you in your breastfeeding journey, the Australian Breastfeeding Association has groups that operate all throughout Australia. Just put your postcode or suburb into the search bar and find out when your next local group is meeting. It is a wonderful way to hear about real life experiences and make some mummy friends along the way. Each meet up has at least one trained breastfeeding counsellor present to answer questions and/or discuss any problems you may be having.

2. Education Classes

If you are an expectant mother, or perhaps pregnant with your second baby, the Australian Breastfeeding Association also runs Breastfeeding Education Classes. These classes are aimed at expectant mothers and their partners and aim to provide expectant parents with the knowledge and confidence to successfully breastfeed.

3. Breastfeeding Helpline

If you are looking for more confidential support, or just have a question, the Australian Breastfeeding Association Breastfeeding Helpline is available to you seven days a week. Just call 1800 686 268 and you can speak to a trained volunteer counsellor. All counsellors have breastfed at least one baby and have a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education (or equivalent) through the ABA. Counsellors are not medically trained though, so cannot give medical advice. This is a free service.

4. Child Health Services

The Queensland Government offers a range of free Child Health Services. You can visit your local child health centre and meet with a nurse. Call 13 HEALTH to make an appointment at your local centre. see here to find your local centre. Alternatively, 13 HEALTH also has qualified child health nurses available to provide you with breastfeeding advice and support over the phone, from 6:30am to 11:00pm, 7 days a week, for the cost of a local call.



5. Lactation Consultant

A lactation consultant helps you with breastfeeding and will help you solve any problem you might have. Lactation Consultants work out of private clinics, maternity hospitals and health centres, and may also make home visits. You can see them for free in some public hospitals and child health clinics, otherwise you can pay for a private consultation. See here to find a qualified lactation consultant in your area. Private health funds may provide rebates for the consultants services so make sure you check.

6. Hospital Services

Hospitals will provide support services to mothers both when you are in the hospital having your baby and when you leave. Below is a link to the breastfeeding services available in some private and public hospitals in Brisbane:

- Mater Mothers
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
- Caboolture Hospital
- Logan and Redland Hospital
- The Wesley Hospital
- Greenslopes Private Hospital
- Sunnybank Private Hospital

7. Possums Clinic

Possums Clinic is Brisbane’s first privately run multi-disciplinary specialist clinic for baby and toddler problems. Their specialist Breastfeeding Support Service includes home-visiting lactation consultants available on both the north and the south side of Brisbane.



World Breastfeeding Week is 1st to 7th August so if you or someone you know needs support, take this opportunity to seek help

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