As your carers we are committed to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding.
We support you in your desire to breastfeed your baby. We acknowledge the many benefits of breastfeeding to your baby, to you, and to your family.
We will maintain a high standard of education and ensure that care and advice given to you, the new mother, is consistent and evidence-based.
We seek to provide pregnant women, mothers and their families with clear and factual information about the benefits and management of breast feeding.
We seek to protect the bond between you and your newborn baby from the moment of birth, so that there is no unnecessary interruption to the baby's instinctive behaviour in commencing breastfeeding.
We seek to assist you and your baby to establish breastfeeding and to maintain your milk supply by expressing for your baby even if you need to be temporarily separated.
We will give your baby no food or drink other than your breast milk, unless there is a medical need to do so, and then, only with your consent.
If medical procedures are necessary, you will be invited to accompany your baby.
We encourage you to feed your baby whenever he or she appears hungry and we will teach you how to identify your baby’s feeding cues.
We will not use artificial teats, dummies or other nipple substitutes which may interfere with your baby’s learning to breast feed and we will not accept any free or low cost breast milk substitute.
We support and encourage breastfeeding support groups in the community and you will be given telephone numbers of people who can provide ongoing support when you are at home.
[This is your guide to the breastfeeding policy. Please ask a member of staff if you wish to see the full policy].
Townsville Hospital is a Baby Friendly Hospital and we encourage you to read the “Commitment to Breastfeeding Mothers”.
During your pregnancy, no preparation is required for your breasts or nipples. There are many gadgets and creams on the market for this purpose and we suggest you talk to your midwife, lactation consultant or doctor before buying them.
Many women also wonder if they should wear a bra for support at night. If support is needed, then a cotton crop top which is comfortable and not tight is a good option. Underwire bras should not be worn during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period, as they can damage growing breasts and block milk ducts which may lead to mastitis. Maternity bras are best fitted at about 6 weeks after baby is born when your breasts have adjusted.
A few of the multiple benefits of breastfeeding are listed here for your information.
All the nutrients a baby needs for the first six months of life.
· By providing antibodies to fight bacterial and viral infections.
· Lessening the risk of allergy and asthma.
· Protecting your baby from common illnesses such as diarrhoea and ear infections.
· Helping to reduce the risk of SIDS, urinary tract infections and bacterial meningitis.
· A lower risk of developing juvenile diabetes and childhood cancers.
· Enhanced eyesight, intelligence, speech and jaw development.
Breastfeeding protects the mother's health, especially in the long term, with reduced rates of breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.
Ref: Breastfeeding Confidence, Australian Breastfeeding Association (2003)
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