Rockingham General Hospital lactation clinic navigating breastfeeding with local mums

Whether you’re a new mum or have done it all before, breast feeding can be a tricky process, that's why the Rockingham General Hospital (RGH)'s lactation clinic is helping mums on their breastfeeding journey.

Ninety per cent of mothers at RGH choose to breastfeed from birth and the lactation clinic, led by Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Zoe Taylforth, offers breastfeeding support to them throughout pregnancy and their hospital stays.

The clinic also offers on-going one-to-one appointments to mums who are having difficulties feeding their babies.

“Lots of support and reassurance is given to new parents as they are adjusting in the first few weeks as a family unit." Zoe said.

“We weigh the baby, observe a breastfeed, parents have the opportunity to ask questions, obtain valuable breastfeeding education and an individual breastfeeding plan is made.”

The clinic was a lifesaver for mum of three, Claire McPherson, whose 6-week-old daughter, Eloise, was born with a tongue-tie.

"With her tongue-tie, Eloise has been struggling to latch and drink from her bottle which means she hasn't been gaining weight like she should be." Claire said.

"We have been trying to get her to latch a bit deeper and working on keeping my supply up before she gets her tongue tie sorted."

"Even before she was born, all the education I have received from the hospital has been really helpful."

The World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding for all infants exclusively for the first six months of their lives due to the health benefits to mums, babies and the family unit.

Breastmilk is full of wonderful gut friendly bacteria and antibodies to ensure that babies are at less risk of eczema, asthma, allergies and digestive issues.

Long term health benefits of breastfeeding include prevention of childhood obesity by improving metabolism and childhood diabetes by lowering insulin levels.

" In today's economy, many women choose to express their milk too, which has exactly the same nutritional value as breastfeeding alone and is free." Zoe said.

World Breastfeeding Week runs from 1 - 7 August 2024.

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