HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Getting help with breastfeeding
Breastfeeding takes time to establish, and there can be some challenges along the way. Most women say it can take up to six weeks to feel relaxed and confident about breastfeeding. It'll help if you can get support from your partner and whānau during this time.
There's a lot of information and support available to help you to learn how to breastfeed and answer any concerns you have.
Health professionals
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your midwife, Well Child nurse or GP. If necessary, they can arrange for you to see a West Coast Primary Health Organisation Breastfeeding Advocate or lactation consultant.
Helplines
You can call PlunketLine on 0800‑933‑922. Plunket now offers breastfeeding support with a lactation consultant via video conferencing.
La Leche League
Visit the New Zealand La Leche League's website to find out what support and information it can offer you. You can also connect with them on Facebook, or with the Christchurch La Leche League Breast Start Facebook page.
Breastfeeding support apps
BreastFedNZ provides simple, "in the moment" advice to help women breastfeed. It was developed by Midland DHB, so some of the local information isn't relevant for other districts. But it has some great information that any breastfeeding woman can use.
Feed Safe has handy information about breastfeeding and alcohol. The app contains official recommendations from the Ministry of Health as well as local contact details for breastfeeding information and support services. When you follow the link, scroll down the page and you'll see links to the version of the Feed Safe app for New Zealand.
West Coast DHB Child Health Services
If your doctor is worried about your child's health or growth, they may refer your child to West Coast DHB Child Health Services, where normally your child will be seen as an outpatient.
Breastfeeding issues
Most women are physically able to breastfeed, and there are usually solutions to any breastfeeding issues you might have. Even women with low milk supplies can usually breastfeed while also using donor breast milk or formula supplements.
Infant formula is the only suitable breast milk substitute for babies in their first year.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
- Healthtalk.org – Breastfeeding
Video interviews with a range of women (and two men) talking about their experience with breastfeeding.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Kellymom.com
This American-based website is full of information about breastfeeding and parenting issues.
On the next page: Breastfeeding issues
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created June 2018.
SourcesReview key: HIBRF-24381
