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Feeding Your Baby

Our staff will be happy to assist you in establishing the feeding method of your choice.

Planning for pregnancy enhances what is sure to be one of the most joyous experiences in your lifetime. While pregnant, your focus is on your pregnancy and the birth of your baby, but finding out about breastfeeding before the birth can make life a lot easier in the busy days after your baby is born. Breastfeeding is a learned skill; both you and your baby need to learn. You'll learn by watching others, by experience and by practice. Our experienced midwives and lactation consultants are here to help, assist and reassure vou. The Breastfeeding Clinic at Calvary Health Care Tasmania is available to assist both before and after the birth of your baby. Please contact our Maternity and Women's Health Unit for an appointment.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

• Research has shown that breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. The breast milk that you produce is perfect for your baby.
• Breast milk prevents infection and protects your baby against illness (ear infection, diabetes, diarrhoea and sudden infant death).
• Breast milk reduces the risks of allergies.
• Breastfeeding helps your uterus return to normal size following the birth of your baby.
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of osteoporosis, premenopausal breast and ovarian cancer.

It Helps to Know

• Most babies have a strong need to suck within an hour of delivery, so you can start to breastfeed straight away.
• Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand system, so the more you feed your baby, the better your milk supply will be.
• Frequent feeds are acceptable, as breast milk is readily absorbed by the baby's digestive system.
• Babies breastfeed for comfort and closeness, as well as to satisfy their hunger.
• As your baby grows, your breast milk changes to meet his/her needs.

Baby Friendly Policy

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative has been developed by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF and incorporates ten steps to successful breastfeeding. Calvary Health Care policy is based on these steps and is available for viewing by parents.

Lactation Consultant

A Lactation Consultant is available for any breastfeeding problems you may experience. We also have a Breast Feeding Clinic, which you may access both during your stay, and after you and your baby leave our hospital.

These services are free of charge.

Formula Feeding

If you decide to bottle feed, all the necessary equipment, formula and advice will be available to you. If you have a specific type of formula you would like to use, please ensure that our staff are aware of your preference prior to admission so that it is available. If you are unsure of what type of formula to use, our staff are also happy to discuss the different types available.

Modified 18 Jul 2004