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Rockingham General Hospital clinic helping 90 per cent of new mums breastfeed from birth

Rachel FennerSound Telegraph
Clair McPherson, baby Eloise and lactation consultant Zoe Taylforth.
Camera IconClair McPherson, baby Eloise and lactation consultant Zoe Taylforth. Credit: Supplied

Whether you’re a new mum or have done it all before, breastfeeding can be a tricky process, but the Rockingham General Hospital’s lactation clinic is here to help mums on their breastfeeding journey.

Led by midwife and international board-certified lactation consultant Zoe Taylforth, the lactation clinic has helped 90 per cent of birthing mothers at RGH to breastfeed from birth.

It offers breastfeeding support to mums throughout pregnancy and their hospital stays, as well as ongoing one-to-one appointments for mums who are having difficulties feeding their babies.

“Lots of support and reassurance is given to new parents as they are adjusting in the first few weeks as a family unit,” Ms Taylforth said.

“We weigh the baby, observe a breastfeed, parents have the opportunity to ask questions, obtain valuable breastfeeding education and an individual breastfeeding plan is made.”

The clinic was a lifesaver for mum-of-three Clair McPherson, whose six-week-old daughter Eloise was born with a tongue-tie.

“With her tongue-tie, Eloise has been struggling to latch and drink from her bottle, which means she hasn’t been gaining weight like she should be,” Ms McPherson said.

“We have been trying to get her to latch a bit deeper and working on keeping my supply up before she gets her tongue-tie sorted.

“Even before she was born, all the education I have received from the hospital has been really helpful.”

The World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding for all infants exclusively for the first six months of their lives due to the health benefits to mums, babies and the family unit.

Breastmilk is full of gut-friendly bacteria and antibodies to ensure that babies are at less risk of eczema, asthma, allergies and digestive issues. Long-term health benefits of breastfeeding include prevention of childhood obesity by improving metabolism and childhood diabetes by lowering insulin levels.

“In today’s economy, many women choose to express their milk too, which has exactly the same nutritional value as breastfeeding alone and is free,” Ms Taylforth said.

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