New mums in the Greater Springfield region are being offered free breastfeeding information, education and support from an experienced lactation consultant at Mater Health Hub, Springfield.
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Kate Maynard is offering both antenatal and postnatal support for parents and their babies to develop breastfeeding skills and overcome feeding challenges.
Ms Maynard has been a nurse for 23 years, a midwife for more than 10 years and a qualified lactation consultant for the past eight years, and is excited to be supporting mothers, babies and their families throughout their breastfeeding journey.
“Most mothers want to breastfeed and do initiate breastfeeding when their baby is born, but by around three months, only around a third of babies are still being exclusively breastfed for various reasons,” Ms Maynard said.
“Breastfeeding is a natural practice, but that doesn't make it easy – it’s a learned behaviour – so we’re there to support mothers and help troubleshoot if they want to breastfeed and are having difficulties.”
The Lactation Consultancy service at Mater Health Hub, Springfield adopts a holistic approach, and focuses on ‘parent crafting’.
“We love having our non-birth parents join the sessions and helping the whole family understand what’s normal for a baby – and to trust their intuition and be confident,” Ms Maynard said.
Mater offers a free consultation for antenatal or postnatal care, covering:
- Anticipated breastfeeding challenges
- Antenatal expressing
- Positioning and attachment issues
- Sore and damaged nipples
- Low supply and supplemental feeding
- Over supply and engorgement
- Blocked ducts and mastitis
- Tongue tie (oral restrictions)
- Induced lactation.
Bookings are essential on 3163 3760. The free consultation offer is available until 1 May 2024.
Mater Health Hub, Springfield is also offering free antenatal group classes specialising in lactation support and dietetics.
The group classes will be held on Wednesday 10 April and Saturday 27 April with both Lactation Consultant Kate Maynard and Dietitian Leigh Frazer presenting.