Giving babies the best start in life

All mothers want to provide their babies with the best start in life.

While it is well documented that breastfeeding is the best start for babies, some mothers stop breastfeeding because they lack support during the difficult times.

Latrobe Regional Hospital was recently re-accredited for three years by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF Baby Friendly Health Initiative because it complies with 10 identified steps to successful breastfeeding.

The Hospital’s Thomson Unit Manager Heather Taylor said the Hospital aims to provide the valuable support and networks to assist mothers to master breastfeeding and to continue to do so after discharge. The Baby Friendly Health Initiative is about supporting women who choose to breastfeed their baby.

The 10 steps include having a written breastfeeding policy and training staff to implement it; informing pregnant women of the benefits of breastfeeding; helping mothers initiate breastfeeding within half-hour of birth; showing mothers how to breastfeed and maintain lactation; giving newborns of breastfeeding mothers no food or drink other than breast milk unless medically indicated; practising rooming-in; encouraging breastfeeding on demand; giving no artificial teats or dummies to breastfeeding babies; and fostering the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and referring mothers to them on discharge from hospital.

Research shows that the antibodies in breastmilk provide protection against some illnesses and provide the best possible nutrition for babies. There are also many benefits to the mother.

“Breastfeeding isn’t easy so we educate our staff to support these mothers through the ups and downs of the early postnatal period,” Heather said.

“Our staff assist mothers by pointing out the immediate benefits of breastfeeding, along with the long term benefits for both mother and baby.”

Latrobe Regional Hospital Thomson Unit provides a breast feeding support service where new mothers can talk to a lactation consultant if they are experiencing breastfeeding problems until their baby is six months. The consultant can also be seen before birth to discuss any issues or anxieties.

The Latrobe Regional Hospital Shared Care Antenatal Midwives Clinic is open Wednesdays 9am-1pm and Thursdays 9am-5pm. Appointments can be made by phoning (03) 5173 8111.