Common breastfeeding issues

Sometimes women can experience the following medical conditions as a result of breastfeeding:

• Engorgement which is caused when blood, milk and other fluids build up in the breast.
• Blocked milk ducts which cause tender or painful lumps as a result of milk build up in the breast.
• Mastitis which occurs when a blockage in a milk duct causes milk to enter the surrounding breast tissue, causing inflammation.

Where to get help

Perth Metropolitan – Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS)

• CAHS child health nurses offer child health appointments (external site), including an initial home visit. The appointments occur at 8 weeks, 4 months, 12 months, and 2 years, with additional appointments if needed and drop-ins at the child health centre.
• Your CAHS Child Health Nurse can refer you to the Child and Adolescent Community Health (CACH) breastfeeding support service.
• For more information, refer to your purple book and magazine (external site) series.

Regional WA - Western Australian Country Health Service (WACHS)

• WACHS child health nurses offer child health appointments (external site), including initial home visit. The appointments at 8 weeks, 4 months, 12 months, and 2 years, with additional appointments if needed and drop-ins at the child health centre.
• Email: WACHSLactationSupportService@health.wa.gov.au – WACHS LC Telehealth Support Services, up to 6weeks and 6days after the birth of baby
• For more information: refer to your purple book and magazine (external site) series

Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)

• Phone: 1800 686 268 – 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Visit the ABA website (external site)

Breastfeeding Centre of WA

• Counselling and appointments available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
• Phone: (08) 6458 1844
• Visit HealthyWA for more information about Breastfeeding Centre of WA (external site)

Ngala parenting line

• Phone: 9368 9368 – 8.00 am to 8.00 pm 7 days a week
• Outside metropolitan area – Phone: 1800 111 546 (free from land line only)
• Visit the Ngala website (external site)

You can also:

• see your doctor.
• book an appointment with a private lactation consultant (external site).
• visit healthdirect (external site) or phone: 1800 022 222

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This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.