Overview
The Breastfeeding Support Service offers breastfeeding support to Mercy Hospital for Women patients. These include current or former inpatients (staying for an extended period or admitted to the hospital) or outpatients (visiting the hospital on a day-basis for appointments or clinics). We also support mothers whose babies are in our Special Care Nursery or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 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
- help developing a feeding plan
- support expressing and storing breastmilk
- assessing breastmilk supply
- breast pump hire and support.
We can also refer you to community services for ongoing support of you and your baby.
Information sessions
At Mercy Hospital for Women breastfeeding information sessions are held from Monday to Friday on the Postnatal Ward at 11am. An antenatal breastfeeding class is held every second Thursday at 1.30pm for expecting mothers.
Getting here
Find us at:
163 Studley Road
Heidelberg Victoria 3084
For more information on getting here, visit Mercy Hospital for Women .
Location details
Mercy Hospital for Women, level 2There are signs to direct you when you exit the lift.
On-site signage and indicators
Look for the Mercy Hospital for Women, level 2. Signage outside the lift. signs on-site.
Opening hours
Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm (outpatient referrals)
Monday–Saturday, 8.30am–4.30pm (inpatient referrals)
Your appointment
What to do before
We recommend that you:
- phone in advance to make an appointment
- try not to feed your baby in the two hours before your appointment, so we can observe a feed during your visit.
What to bring
Please bring:
- your Medicare card
- your Child Health Record book (green book)
- some 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 in addition to breastfeeding)
- infant formula (if your baby is having formula).
A partner or support person is most welcome to attend with you.
What to expect on the day
A visit usually takes between one hour and one hour and 15 minutes.
More information
Team Composition
All staff are registered as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
What questions should you ask
Write down and bring any questions you have.
Your lactation consultant will:
- talk to you about your concerns
- watch your baby feeding
- discuss and write down a breastfeeding plan
- make another appointment if required.
Opportunities to be involved in research
Mercy Hospital for Women participates in research and you can choose to be involved. For example, our DAME studies — dealing with gestational diabetic mothers — were completed in Australia and published in The Lancet. Our case studies have been presented at open forums. There are also links to the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank, which is available to eligible patients. Speak to a clinician to find out more about any of these initiatives and how they can contribute to improved health for mothers babies and families.
Who to call if you have concerns afterwards
If you have concerns after your appointment, you can call Mercy Hospital for Women Breastfeeding Support Centre on 03 8458 4677 and leave a message. A lactation consultant will call you back the same day.
Alternatively, you can call:
- Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline: 1800 686 268
- Maternal and Child Health Line: 13 22 29
For health professionals
We provide support and advice for mothers of babies experiencing breastfeeding-related problems, who are in the care of Mercy Hospital for Women. The Breastfeeding Support Service supports lactating mothers and their babies, including mothers whose babies are admitted to our Special Care Nursery or and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Procedural information
Referrals can be made by:
- a self-referral by mothers
- a midwife or other hospital staff
- a maternal and child health nurse
- a general practitioner
- an obstetrician or paediatrician.
What/when you should refer to us
Referrals should be made for mothers who:
- have breastfeeding-related problems, such as the baby not attaching at the breast, low milk supply, sore nipples or oversupply
- have previously experienced breastfeeding problems
- have undergone breast surgery, such as augmentation or reduction
- are experiencing blocked ducts or mastitis
- have medical conditions, or are taking medications that may impact breastfeeding.
What/when you should not refer to us
We do not support patients who had their baby at another hospital.
More information
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