Bayside Health Service has been busy reminding new parents about the support available from lactation consultants in the lead up to World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August).
First-time mum Pirasha Maru, whose baby Rihaan was born a little small and was sleepy, said guidance from Clinical Midwife and Lactation Consultant Sian Michalk helped her persist through the first few weeks of breastfeeding.
“The early days were the hardest,” she said. “I was feeding every one-and-a-half to two hours, and sometimes he’d fall asleep before finishing. Sian showed me different positions, how to wake him gently, and encouraged me to keep expressing to build my supply."
Sian said support for parents began well before their baby was born.
“We encourage expectant parents to attend antenatal breastfeeding classes and bring their partners,” she said. “It helps them feel confident with feeding, expressing, and understanding what’s normal in those first days and weeks.”
Support from Pirasha’s husband, who attended the breastfeeding classes, also proved invaluable.
“When I was too tired to remember what to do, he could prompt me. It was a team effort,” she said.
Sian said the aim was to provide practical help, reassurance and encouragement.
“Sometimes it’s about going back to basics and helping mums trust their bodies to provide for their baby,” she said.
Bayside Health Service offers antenatal breastfeeding classes, inpatient consultations, follow-up appointments and phone check-ins for families who need them up to six weeks.