Breastfeeding help 24 hours

1800 MUM 2 MUM, 1800 686 2 686 is the number that every pregnant woman should put into their phone and on the fridge! Getting help when you have problems breastfeeding - and getting the right help from people who have breastfed and understand how it works, what the problems and the solutions - combined with support from those around you - is the very best way of continuing to breastfeed.
Now Australia has a national toll-free 24 hour breastfeeding helpline staffed by volunteers from the Australian Breastfeeding Association1. Fantastic.
Despite all the information and education over the years breastfeeding rates are still dropping. Although 92 per cent of babies are breastfed when they leave hospital, it drops to around 80 per cent after the first week and is down to 56 per cent at 3 months and a frightening 14 per cent at 6 months.
When I breastfed and worked fulltime I found it stressful and difficult - so I understand why some women give up. But the benefits to the baby you have nurtured for 9 months in utero continue through their lives and it is worth every effort to maintain breastfeed at least for 6 months.