Why is breastfeeding so important? 

Both the World Health Organisation and the National Health and Medical Research Council support exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months with complimentary breastfeeding then being continued along with solids. Swan Hill District Health supports and actively promotes these recommendations.

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for mum, bub and society as a whole.

-It protects mothers against breast and ovarian cancer, can aid with returning to pre-pregnancy weight and saves spending thousands of dollars on formula.

-Bub gets an immunity boost which helps prevent infections and illness as well as getting protection from other conditions such as asthma and diabetes later in life.

-As a society we benefit from healthier babies requiring less medical treatment, mothers who are less likely to require leave from work to care for a sick child, and environmental benefits from not relying on bottles and formula production. 

Read more on these websites: 

Better Health

Raising Children

Eat for Health - Infant Feeding Guidelines

Getting support

While breastfeeding is natural, it is also a learned skill and there are many reasons why the road can be hard. It’s common to need extra help especially in those early days and weeks.  

At Swan Hill District Health we provide a Breastfeeding Support Service. Our experienced midwives are here to support you on your breastfeeding journey. 

Contact Health Promotion for more information or to make an appointment.
Centre based or home visit appointments are available.

See our brochure here.

Health Promotion

Address: 60 McCrae Street, Swan Hill, 3585

Phone: 03 5033 9337

Email: hpreception@shdh.org.au

Other breastfeeding support:

• Australian Breastfeeding Association  
  1800 686 268 or www.breastfeeding.asn.au
  Local counsellor Kristin Parker 0417 355 329 or twistwithyou@yahoo.com
• Midwifery Unit, Swan Hill District Health 
  5033 9269 (support up to 6 weeks of age)
• Maternal & Child Health 
  Swan Hill 5032 0300 
  24 hour telephone service 13 22 29
• Mallee District Aboriginal Service
  (including Koori Maternity Service and Maternal and Child Health) 
  Swan Hill 5032 8600

Breastfeeding friendly locations 
(Swan Hill)

For an up to date listing of local venues registered with the Breastfeeding Welcome Here Program or to explore other locations visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association website

THE BREASTFEEDING TEAM

There are lots of people who can support and empower women to breastfeed. 'The Breastfeeding Team' aims to highlight this. If you decide to breastfeed, make sure those around you are on your team.