Breastfeeding

The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that babies initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and continue to be exclusively breastfed for approximately the first 6 months. During this time, breast milk is the only food and drink that a baby needs. Babies should be breastfed on demand – whenever they want, day or night. To support successful breastfeeding, It is recommended to avoid bottles, teats, and pacifiers (dummies), especially in the first 4 weeks while breastfeeding is being established.

Your baby will benefit by:

• getting the perfect food for their growth and development
• being protected against gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, ear and chest infections, diabetes, and other medical conditions
• experiencing reduced risks of sudden unexpected death in Infancy (SUDI), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

You will benefit by:

• reducing the risk of bleeding too much after the birth
• reducing the risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes
• the convenience and low preparation before each feed, all while being free.

Breastfeeding helps you build a strong connection with your baby. It’s a special time that brings you physically and emotionally close, with the bond that you create lasting for years.

Where to get help

Perth Metropolitan – Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS)

• CAHS child health nurses offer child health appointments (external site), including an initial home visit. The appointments occur at 8 weeks, 4 months, 12 months, and 2 years, with additional appointments if needed and drop-ins at the child health centre.
• Your CAHS Child Health Nurse can refer you to the Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH) breastfeeding support service.
• For more information, refer to your purple book and magazine (external site) series.

Regional WA - Western Australian Country Health Service (WACHS)

• WACHS child health nurses offer child health appointments (external site), including initial home visit. The appointments at 8 weeks, 4 months, 12 months, and 2 years, with additional appointments if needed and drop-ins at the child health centre.
• Email: WACHSLactationSupportService@health.wa.gov.au – WACHS LC Telehealth Support Services, up to 6 weeks and 6 days after the birth of baby
• For more information: refer to your purple book and magazine (external site) series

Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)

• Phone: 1800 686 268 – 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Visit the ABA website (external site)

Breastfeeding Centre of WA

• Counselling and appointments available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
• Phone: (08) 6458 1844
• Visit HealthyWA for more information about Breastfeeding Centre of WA (external site)

Ngala parenting line

• Phone: 9368 9368 – 8.00 am to 8.00 pm 7 days a week
• Outside metropolitan area – Phone: 1800 111 546 (free from land line only)
• Visit the Ngala website (external site)

You can also:

• see your doctor.
• book an appointment with a private lactation consultant (external site).
• visit healthdirect (external site) or phone: 1800 022 222

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This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.