Dale Hansson 
RN, Lactation Consultant, Dip Breastfeeding Management, CFHN

Breastfeeding is the normal way for infants to be fed. Many families experience difficulties after a new baby arrives. When you choose to breastfeed and prepare, it can be confusing when it doesn't seem to be "natural". Like many new experiences, breastfeeding takes time to learn. Your body secretes hormones in the first 4-6 weeks which helps you to maintain breastfeeding while establish your supply.

This buffer may mask early problems. A baby may feed and grow well initially because of these hormones but if he isn't emptying your breast effectively, it may take until 6 weeks before he starts to show signs that things are not going as well as you thought.

Breastfeeding is a very robust activity and there are lots of ways to manage breastfeeding challenges. Mothers usually know if something is not right and this should be taken seriously. Many mothers are told everything looks right, even when there is pain and concern. Make sure you ask someone to watch a breastfeed with you and check your nipple after the feed. You can't tell if everything is OK by just looking!
Trust yourself and enjoy your baby!

---

We support the following policy and offer a Lactation Consultant to support your choice to breastfeed. 

RACGP Breastfeeding Policy 
Breastfeeding should be promoted as the most appropriate method for feeding infants and one that offers protection against infection and some chronic diseases. General practitioners should encourage and support exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months, then the introduction of complementary foods and continued breastfeeding thereafter. It is recommended that breastfeeding continue until 12 months of age and thereafter as long as mutually desired.
 Mothers have the right to breastfeed wherever and whenever their baby has the need.
Breastfeeding mothers in the paid work force should be supported to continue breastfeeding.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)

Counsellors may be contacted by telephone or email. Counselling is also available in person at group meetings.
Details about how to subscribe are available at http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/