The North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) is excited to announce an antenatal breastfeeding session exclusively for pregnant North West mothers in August.

A visiting lactation consultant from Townsville University Hospital will join the North West HHS midwifery team in hosting an information session for expectant mothers.

Lactation consultants provide a variety of services to both pregnant and postnatal mothers including education, advice for setting up a successful breastfeeding journey, how to breastfeed twins and triplets, what to do when the journey doesn’t go to plan, advice on positioning, and latch and support for the postnatal breastfeeding complications.

North West HHS Midwifery Clinical Educator, Susara Saliba, highlighted that these sessions are a unique opportunity to share valuable breastfeeding information with the local community, which may be eager to hear from an expert in the field.

“We are excited to have secured a lactation consultant to come to Mount Isa and share information and resources about breastfeeding and answer questions pregnant women have,” said Ms Saliba.

“A lactation consultant specialises in breastfeeding and can help parents work through challenges that come with breastfeeding, such as milk supply and breastfeeding positions.

“We have had heaps of interest with these events in the past and expect to see similar numbers attend again this year.”

The information sessions will take place on Tuesday, August 6, and Wednesday, August 7, during world breastfeeding week.

The Tuesday session will start at 5:30PM at the Good Shepherd Catholic College Hall, and the Wednesday session will start at 10:30AM at the Lucy Street MGP Clinic.

Both sessions are open to prenatal mothers and their partners or support person. Limited spots are available, so people are encouraged to RSVP by August 5 by calling 4744 4496.

For postnatal mothers wanting one on one breastfeeding support with the visiting lactation consultant, there are limited 30-minute appointments available on 8 August by contacting the midwifery team on 4744 4496.

Additionally North West HHS midwifery team runs breastfeeding classes throughout the year and community members can book by calling 4744 4496.