Each year, World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August) shines a spotlight on the importance of protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Coordinated globally by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, this year’s theme, ‘Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works,’ highlights the need for long-term support systems that help families thrive.

At Northern Health, that support begins with our dedicated Specialist Breastfeeding Service (SBS).

Staffed by International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) six days a week, the Specialist Breastfeeding Service provides expert, evidence-based care to women, babies and their families across our maternity services. Every fortnight, the team also attends Craigieburn Community Hospital, ensuring families across our catchment have greater access to specialist breastfeeding education and support.

Our IBCLCs are highly skilled clinicians with internationally recognised qualifications, gained through extensive education and specialised training. Working alongside our midwives and nurses, they bring advanced clinical expertise that complements the exceptional care already provided, helping families navigate their breastfeeding journey with confidence.

The team offers antenatal breastfeeding education classes twice each month, giving expectant parents practical knowledge and reassurance before their baby arrives. For families requiring additional support after birth, individual outpatient appointments are available both in person and via telehealth.

The Specialist Breastfeeding Service primarily supports women and babies across Maternity, the Neonatal Unit and the Children’s Assessment and Hospital at Home Unit (CAHU), providing personalised care tailored to each family’s needs.

Their expertise also extends beyond maternity care. Following referrals from the Emergency Department and surgical wards, the team reviews breast-related concerns such as milk supply, breastfeeding following surgery, and the safe use of medications during breastfeeding, ensuring women receive informed, compassionate advice wherever they are in their healthcare journey.

As part of World Breastfeeding Week, the Specialist Breastfeeding Service is also celebrating with a range of activities designed to engage and educate staff across Northern Health. Throughout the week, staff can take part in educational sessions, creative craft activities and an afternoon tea, recognising the important role every healthcare professional plays in supporting breastfeeding families. While the team’s ongoing education for expectant and new mothers continues throughout the year, this year’s World Breastfeeding Week activities have been specifically planned to raise awareness and celebrate breastfeeding support among our workforce.

Stephanie Wynne, Clinical Midwifery Educator and IBCLC, said the early support women receive can have a lasting impact on their breastfeeding journey.

“Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both the mother and her baby. The support a woman receives in those precious first hours can shape her confidence for weeks and months to come.”

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week reminds us that breastfeeding success is about more than individual effort. It requires supportive healthcare services, workplaces, communities and governments working together to make breastfeeding protected, valued and normalised for generations to come. By strengthening what works today, we help create healthier families, stronger communities and a more sustainable future.

We thank our Specialist Breastfeeding Service and dedicated Lactation Consultants for their expertise, compassion and unwavering commitment to supporting women, babies and families. Their care makes a lasting difference every day, helping give every family the best possible start.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Kathy Foster, IBCLC, and Stephanie Wynne, Clinical Midwifery Educator/IBCLC.