Skip to main content

Barwon Health / Maternity Services

(03) 4215 2060

A good start to breastfeeding

Skin contact

After birth, your baby’s desire to suck will be very strong. If your baby is allowed to stay in skin contact with you from birth, within the first hour they will usually make their way to your breast to feed. Even if your birth is complicated, skin contact will happen as soon as possible.

Like all mammals, your baby finds your breast mainly through scent so be aware of changing your natural body scent (i.e. delay showering and avoid perfumed products if possible). Give your baby time to find your breasts. Licking, nuzzling and searching are just as helpful. Babies learn a lot about attachment in this early period; it is a very important and special time for you and your family. It is a time for you to get to know your baby while they recover from birth and prepare for their first breastfeed.

Rooming in

During your hospital stay, we encourage you and your baby to stay together day and night. This will allow you to get to know your baby and respond to your baby’s needs. It has been shown that staying together helps to establish your milk supply and helps you sleep better when you know your baby is close by.

Demand feeding

Breastfeeding on demand means feeding your baby without limits to how often or for how long. Demand feeding has been found to help your milk supply establish faster and also prevent problems such as engorged breasts. It also allows your baby to feed according to their own need.

Feeding Support Program

The City of Greater Geelong's breastfeeding support service is free and available until your baby is 3 months old. 

This program operates as a drop in service on the following dates:
• Mondays 1pm-4pm
Norlane MCH
52-56 Gerbera Avenue, Norlane

• Wednesdays 1pm-4pm
Reynolds Road MCH
29-31 Reynolds Road, Belmont

A knowledgeable and supportive Maternal and Child Health nurse will help you with any feeding issues that you may be experiencing. To make to most of your time with the nurse please bring your baby in when they are due to feed or haven't been fed within 1-2 hours prior to your arrival.

For more information about this program, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/mch.

Last Modified: Monday, 24 January 2022