Western Health is committed to promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding. Sunshine Hospital is accredited as a Baby Friendly Health Initiative facility and follows the World Health Organisation’s "10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding".
Western Health Breastfeeding Summary – English
Western Health Breastfeeding Summary – Vietnamese
Western Health Breastfeeding Summary – Arabic
Western Health Breastfeeding Summary - Hindi
You can read about Western Health’s commitment in our breastfeeding policy.
Western Health developed a Vietnamese breastfeeding resource you can find here.
You can prepare for breastfeeding by reading the handout ‘Learning about breastfeeding during pregnancy’. Please share this with the support people in your life so they can learn about how to support you in your breastfeeding journey.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association’s ‘Breastfeeding Confidence’ booklet is a quick guide on the essentials of breastfeeding that you will be provided with during pregnancy. It is also available to download in the following languages
Our Lactation Service is offered to women birthing with at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s and is staffed by qualified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and a Breastfeeding Support Enrolled Nurse. The service also provide support in our Newborn Services, Children’s ward and anywhere else a breastfeeding parent or child is receiving care.
During pregnancy, you will be provided with breastfeeding information by the midwives at clinic appointments. If you have had difficulties with breastfeeding in the past, or you think you may have challenges after your baby is born, the midwife can refer you to the Lactation Consultants.
After having taking your baby home there are breastfeeding supports available in the community. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 268. The Breastfeeding Helpline is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can find out more about local community breastfeeding supports available in the handout Breastfeeding support and information – available in English, Vietnamese and Arabic.
