Breastfeeding mothers in Brimbank and Melton now have access to 24-hour support and information following the launch of a national toll-free breastfeeding helpline this week. 

Federal Member for Gorton Brendan O’Connor said the Rudd Government has provided $2.5 million to help establish and run the service nationally.   

“We have also provided a further $1.8 million to help train breastfeeding counsellors and provide education opportunities for other health professionals,” Mr O’Connor said. 

“The Rudd Government recognises the many preventative health benefits of breastfeeding. It not only helps protect babies against infection, it also provides protection against obesity and chronic diseases later in life.

 “As well, it benefits a mother’s health by reducing the risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.

“We know that breastfeeding is important for babies and for mothers, but it doesn’t always come easily. That’s why we’ve funded this national helpline.

 “It’s all about giving whatever assistance we can to encourage and support mothers to continue breastfeeding their babies as long as they can and as long as they want to,” he said. 

Australia’s dietary guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding of infants until six months of age, with the introduction of solid foods at around six months and continued breastfeeding until the age of 12 months – and beyond, if both mother and baby wish. 

Despite this, the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children found in 2004 that while 92 per cent of newborns were initially breastfed, this dropped to 80 per cent fully breastfed by one-week-old. There was a steady decline each month, with only 56 per cent fully breastfeeding at three months and 14 per cent at six months. 

Part of supporting Australians in early parenthood is about promoting the value of breastfeeding and improving breastfeeding rates in Australia.  

As well as investing in the helpline, the Australian Government is developing a National Maternity Services Plan and the first National Women’s Health Policy since 1989.