CHILDREN BY CHOICE ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a free, natural, healthy and safe start to your baby’s life. Breast milk provides all the nutrients that your baby will need for their first 4-6 months, and is generally regarded as the optimal baby food.  Breast milk also contains antigens that will protect your child against infection.

For a variety of reasons, some women choose not to breastfeed, and some women are unable to breastfeed.  Women can seek advice and support from their medical practitioners, community health nurses and midwives about breastfeeding and other baby feeding options.  For women who choose not to or cannot breastfeed, formulas are widely available, and are an acceptable alternative where instructions for use are followed.

It is quite common for women to experience some difficulties with breastfeeding.  During pregnancy and after the birth, women can access support and information to assist with breastfeeding issues.  The contacts below are useful starting points.

Australian Breastfeeding Association
Operates a webpage and 24 hour breastfeeding information helpline.  Can advise you about services and support groups in your area.

Bubhub is an internet portal which lists sources in all states, for topics such as breastfeeding information, help, lactation consultants and breastfeeding products. 

Health Insite provides information on all baby feeding options.

Breastfeeding can provide some natural contraception, provided that :

• the woman has not experienced a return of menstrual periods;

• the baby is exclusively breastfeeding both day and night with no long gaps in feeding (over 6 hours); and

• the baby is under six months old.
   

Research indicates a 2% failure rate with using breastfeeding as a contraception.  Many backup methods of contraception, such as condoms, IUD, progestin-only oral contraceptives, are available to breastfeeding women.