HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Getting help with breastfeeding/chestfeeding
Whai āwhina mō te whāngai ū
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding takes time to get going and there can be some challenges along the way. Most people say it can take up to 6 weeks to feel relaxed and confident. It will help if you can get support from your partner and whānau (family) during this time.
There is a lot of information and support available to help you to learn how to breastfeed/chestfeed and answer any concerns you have.
If you are having difficulty or just want some more support, it is a good idea to attend one of the many free breastfeeding groups around Canterbury.
Health professionals
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your midwife, Well Child nurse or general practice team. If necessary, they can arrange for you to see a peer counsellor (another breastfeeding/chestfeeding woman who you can talk to) or a free lactation consultant.
Waitaha Primary Health has a Community-Based Lactation Support Service that provides specialist support for complex issues. It can provide support at community-based clinics, at home, through individual appointments and through email, text or telephone follow-up if needed.
You can also choose to pay to see a private lactation consultant.
Helplines
You can call PlunketLine on 0800‑933‑922. Plunket offers 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 advocacy
The Canterbury Breastfeeding Advocacy Service can put you in contact with different support services. These include mother-to-mother peer counsellors and local groups throughout Canterbury. It also has information on breastfeeding/chestfeeding in the workplace and breastfeeding-friendly cafés in Canterbury.
Support apps
Mama Aroha is designed to provide support, particularly when there are problems. It uses visuals and kupu Māori to provide the essential information and principles for better understanding.
BreastFedNZ provides simple, "in the moment" advice.
Feed Safe has handy information about breastfeeding/chestfeeding and alcohol. The app has official recommendations from Te Whatu Ora. It also has local contact details for information and support services. When you follow the link, scroll down the page and you will see links to the version of the Feed Safe app for New Zealand.
Family assistance providers
- Right Service Right Time helps parents get help from various agencies. You can refer yourself to this service or ask your doctor for more information.
- The Early Start Project provides home visits and support to people with difficult circumstances, and who live in the Christchurch area. You can refer yourself to this programme or your doctor, Well Child nurse, midwife or other health professional can refer you. There may be a waiting list.
Christchurch Hospital Child Health Services
If your doctor is worried about the health or growth of your tamaiti (child), they may refer them to Christchurch Hospital Child Health Services, where they will normally see them as an outpatient.
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding issues
There are usually solutions to any breastfeeding/chestfeeding issues you might have. Even if you have low milk supplies, you can usually breastfeed/chestfeed while also using donor breast milk or formula supplements.
Infant formula is the only suitable breast milk substitute for pēpi (babies) in their first year.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
- Healthify He Puna Wairoa – Breastfeeding videos
For a series of videos, follow the link, scroll down the page and open the blocks containing the description "+ VIDEO".
- Healthtalk.org – Breastfeeding
Video interviews with people talking about their experience with breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Australian Breastfeeding Association
Extensive information.
HealthInfo recommends the following apps
- BreastFedNZ
Simple, "in the moment" advice.
- Mama Aroha
Designed to provide support, particularly when there are problems. It uses visuals and kupu Māori to provide the essential information and principles for better understanding.
- Feed Safe
Handy information about breastfeeding/chestfeeding and alcohol. The app has official recommendations from Te Whatu Ora. It also has local contact details for information and support services. When you follow the link, scroll down the page and you will see links to the version of the Feed Safe app for New Zealand.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIBRF-24381
