Breastfeeding

Health professionals who provide advice should be appropriately trained and educated on the benefits of breastfeeding, including education and appropriate support for those mothers who experience difficulties with breastfeeding.
Position Statement on Breastfeeding

Position Statement on Breastfeeding

Australian Medical Association. Position Statement on Breastfeeding [internet]. 2007 [cited Apr 2021]; AMA.

Breastfeeding has been found to provide physiological benefits to the infant, as well as physical, psychological and pragmatic benefits to the mother. Breastfeeding can improve cognitive development, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma in infants. The benefits of breastfeeding include decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

Feeding And Parental Health

Infant Feeding and Parental Health

Australian Medical Association. Infant Feeding and Parental Health [internet]. 2017 [cited Apr 2021]; AMA.

Infant nutrition and early infant growth patterns lay the foundation for eating patterns, weight gain and reducing the risk of chronic conditions later in life. New parents should be supported to make decisions regarding the feeding of their infant, recognising that this will be influenced by numerous social, physiological and individual lifestyle factors.

Nipple Eczema Dermatitis

Infant Feeding – Nipple Eczema Dermatitis

The Royal Women’s Hospital. Infant Feeding – Nipple Eczema Dermatitis [internet]. 2020 [cited May 2021]; RWH.

Clinical guidelines for management of nipple eczema dermatitist. Skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis may occur on the nipple and areola of pregnant and breastfeeding women. Management approaches are similar to eczema and dermatitis on other parts of the body.

Breast And Nipple Thrush

Infant Feeding – Breast and Nipple Thrush

The Royal Women’s Hospital. Infant Feeding – Breast and Nipple Thrush [internet]. 2020 [cited May 2021]; RWH.

This guideline provides details for the signs, symptoms, and management of women with breast and nipple thrush. Breast and nipple thrush is the over-growth of Candida species, on the nipples and in breast ducts. Mother may describe burning, stinging nipple pain which continues during and after the feed.

Breastfeeding The HealthyTerm Baby

Infant Feeding – Breastfeeding The Healthy Term Baby

The Royal Women’s Hospital. Infant Feeding – Breastfeeding The Healthy Term Baby [internet]. 2020 [cited May 2021]; RWH.

Breastfeeding of the healthy term baby should be supported by a baby-led, developmentally supportive approach. It is normal and physiologically beneficial for newborn babies to feed very frequently – usually 8-12 times in 24 hours. Cluster feeding and night feeds are normal and benefit both mother and baby.

Management Of Low Breast Milk Supply

Infant Feeding – Management of Low Breast Milk Supply

The Royal Women’s Hospital. Infant Feeding – Management of Low Breast Milk Supply [internet]. 2020 [cited May 2021]; RWH.

Low milk supply is one of the most common reasons for early weaning. Insufficient removal of milk from the breasts leading to a reduction in milk production is the most likely
cause of low supply. Awareness of normal, frequent feeding patterns and growth and the developmental stages of infants can help mothers to be more reassured about their own infant’s feeding behaviour.

Mastitis And Breast Abscess

Infant Feeding – Mastitis And Breast Abscess

The Royal Women’s Hospital. Infant Feeding – Mastitis And Breast Abscess [internet]. 2020 [cited May 2021]; RWH.

Guidelines for pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of mastitis and breast abscess. Continuing to breastfeed and /or express breast milk is important for the management of mastitis. Diagnosis and treatment is important for health of mother and baby as delay in care may increase severity and risk of premature cessation of breastfeeding.

Nipple And Breast Pain In Lactation

Infant Feeding – Nipple And Breast Pain In Lactation

The Royal Women’s Hospital. Infant Feeding – Nipple And Breast Pain In Lactation [internet]. 2020 [cited May 2021]; RWH.

Nipple pain and damage is one of the most common reasons for early cessation of breastfeeding. Most women experience nipple tenderness during the first week of establishing breastfeeding. Pain which is severe, persistent or occurs between feeds should be investigated. Nipple damage increases the risk of mastitis, formula supplementation and maternal anxiety.