Breastfeeding Support Centre

There is a wealth of credible information available that indicates breastfeeding has a range of health benefits for infants, children and mothers.

When learning to breastfeed, like any new skill, you and your baby may require some help along the way. The Mater Mothers’ Breastfeeding Support Centre is here to support you throughout your breastfeeding experience.

The centre is a specialist service available during your stay at Mater, as well as a support centre after you return home. The service is run by qualified lactation consultants who are experienced in caring for newborn, premature and special needs babies.

Support in hospital

The experienced midwives caring for you and your baby, in each postnatal unit, are able to provide you with breastfeeding information, assistance and support.

Breastfeeding information sessions are held everyday, except Sundays, from 10.30 am to 11.30 am. Please ask your midwife or nurse to direct you to the venue closest to you.

If you or your baby have special requirements, your midwife or doctor will refer you to the Mater Mothers’ Breastfeeding Support Centre for a specialist consultation. The centre’s lactation consultant will invite you to visit the centre when your baby is ready to feed.

If your baby is in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit, the lactation consultant will visit you and your baby in the nursery.

There is no charge for this inpatient service.

Support at home

The centre is also available on a fee-for-service basis to anyone requiring breastfeeding support. The centre, located on level 7 of Mater Mothers’ Hospitals, comprises:

two feeding support rooms for consultations
an area with baby change facilities and scales
a private area for discussing sensitive issues.

Opening hours

The centre is open from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). To ensure we can provide the support required by all women and babies please telephone the centre to advise when you would like to attend. In the interest and safety of all women and their babies at the centre, please do not bring other children when you visit.

Staffing

The Mater Mothers’ Breastfeeding Support Centre is staffed by the same lactation consultants who provide the inpatient service, allowing for continuity of care.

Cost

A session at the centre will cost $80. This fee includes a free parking voucher to use in any of the Mater car parks. This fee may be claimable through your private health insurance. Please talk to your provider.

Refreshments

Bottled water is provided. For other refreshments please visit the café on level 5.

What to bring

When you visit the support centre please bring your baby’s Personal Health Record book and pram.

Purchasing breastfeeding pumps and equipment

The centre stocks a range of high quality breastfeeding pumps and equipment for purchase below the recommended retail price. Profit generated from these sales goes directly to the centre and the care of our women and babies. Our staff are happy to discuss the benefits of different equipment options with you, taking into account your individual needs. A brochure is available outlining the various products and prices. All products are available to view and purchase at the centre, Monday to Friday.

Contact us

For further information, or to arrange an appointment, please contact the centre on 07 3163 8200. We can also arrange for one of our lactation consultants to telephone you to discuss your needs.

Support after hours

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) offers a 24-hour breastfeeding counselling service. ABA breastfeeding counsellors are all trained volunteers who have breastfed for at least nine months and undertaken the ABA breastfeeding counsellor training course. They provide counselling and breastfeeding information to anyone seeking help.

ABA counsellors can be contacted on 07 3844 8977 or 07 3844 8166. Alternatively visit www.breastfeeding.asn.au

Please note: Counsellors are not medically trained, therefore cannot give medical advice, only breastfeeding management support information.

If you are concerned about your health, or that of your baby please call:

000 for an emergency
1800 177 279 for the Child Health Line
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)—qualified staff will provide advice and further support.

This information reflects Mater’s commitment to providing high quality care to all women and their families, in a safe, supportive environment.

Pricing is current at the time of printing this brochure and is subject to change.

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