Overview
The Breastfeeding Support Service offers breastfeeding support to women who are, or have been in the care of Werribee Mercy Hospital as inpatients or outpatients, as well as mothers with babies in our special care nursery. Support is available from Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays).
Our breastfeeding support includes:
- help with common breastfeeding issues
- advice for when your baby does not attach at the breast
- assistance developing a feeding plan
- support expressing and storing breastmilk
- assessing breastmilk supply
- breast pump hire service and support.
We can also refer you to community services for ongoing support for you and your baby.
Getting here
Find us at:
300 Princes Highway
Werribee Victoria 3030
For more information on getting here, visit Werribee Mercy Hospital .
On-site signage and indicators
Look for the Lactation Consultant signs on-site.
Opening hours
Monday–Saturday (excluding public holidays), 8am–4.30pm
Your appointment
What to do before
Before your appointment, please:
- phone to make an appointment
- try not to feed your baby within the two hours before the appointment, so a feed can be observed at your visit.
What to bring
Please bring:
- Medicare card
- child health record book
- nappies and spare clothes for your baby
- any other items needed for the care and feeding of your baby
- expressed breastmilk (if your baby is having expressed breastmilk instead of, or as well as, breastfeeding)
- infant formula (only if your baby is having formula) .
A partner or support person is most welcome to attend with you.
What to expect on the day
Please present to maternity reception.
It would be unusual for you to wait for more than a few minutes in reception.
Your visit will take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the reason for your appointment.
More information
Team Composition
Throughout your consultation, you will be supported by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
What questions should you ask
Questions relating to feeding your baby, breastmilk supply and any other infant feeding issues are encouraged.
You may find it helpful to make a note of what you want to ask before attending your appointment as a reminder.
Additional support
If needed, a follow-up appointment or phone call can be scheduled at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
Many local councils also have breastfeeding support programs available to their residents. You will need to check with your maternal and child health nurse.
Who to call if you have concerns afterwards
Werribee Mercy Hospital Lactation Consultants
Phone: 03 8754 3407
Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline
Phone: 1800 686 268
Maternal and Child Health Nurse Helpline
Phone: 13 22 29
For health professionals
Support and advice for mothers of babies experiencing breastfeeding related problems and who have been in the care of Werribee Mercy Hospital.
Procedural information
Referrals can be made by:
- a midwife or other hospital staff
- a maternal and child health nurse
- a general practitioner
- an obstetrician or paediatrician
- a self-referral (by mothers themselves).
Referrals can be:
- during pregnancy, if maternity care is being provided by Werribee Mercy Hospital
- at Werribee Mercy Hospital after the baby is born
- after discharge from Werribee Mercy Hospital as an outpatient appointment.
For appointments and enquiries, please phone the breastfeeding support service on 03 8754 3407.
How to prepare the patient
Please encourage mothers to ask any feeding related questions at their visit.
What/when you should refer to us
Referrals should be made for mothers who:
- have breastfeeding related problems, e.g. baby not attaching at the breast, low milk supply, sore nipples, oversupply
- have had previous breastfeeding problems
- have undergone breast surgery — e.g. augmentation, reduction
- are experiencing blocked ducts or mastitis
- have medical conditions or are taking medications that may impact on breastfeeding.
What/when you should not refer to us
Women who have not been under the care of Werribee Mercy Hospital are not eligible to be referred to the breastfeeding support service.
Additional contact details
Werribee Mercy Breastfeeding Support Service
Maternity and Neonatal Services
Werribee Mercy Hospital
300 Princes Highway
Werribee Vic 3030
Phone: 03 8754 3407
Fax: 03 8754 3440
More information
Resources for you
http://www.bfmed.org/ — The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is a worldwide organisation of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation.
Monash Obstetric Information Line — Phone: 03 9594 2361 for information relating to medications and breastfeeding.
https://thewomenspbmg.org.au/ — The Women’s Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Medicines Guide (PBMG) is a quick reference guide for healthcare professionals that provides practical and unbiased specialised information on medicine use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
https://www.lcanz.org — Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand provides a listing of lactation consultants in private practice who can provide in-home breastfeeding assistance.
https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/newtoxnet/lactmed.htm — The LactMed® database contains information on drugs and other chemicals breastfeeding mothers may be exposed to.
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/clinicianshealthchannel — The Clinicians Health Channel is an online information portal for health professionals working in the public healthcare sector in Victoria providing free access to current, accurate and reliable resources.
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