Breastfeeding is a skill that must be learnt. For some women, breastfeeding just works. For others it does not come naturally. Help is usually needed in those early weeks to get breastfeeding off to a good start.
In Australia, new mothers usually have the support of their own mothers, mother-in-laws, sisters, friends and their local maternal health centre nurse. As an expatriate in Hong Kong however, help can be far and few between, especially as most expatriates do not have the same support networks they would have experienced had they been giving birth ‘at home’.
In those early weeks with my new baby, I worked hard to successfully establish breastfeeding. I nursed my boy on demand (for an average of 10-11 feedings per 24 hours) and was conscious of the position and latch of my baby at the breast. Prior to giving birth I read up about breastfeeding, watched dvds on breastfeeding and generally felt confident in my ability to nurse my baby. I was supported by my husband and my own mother (through many long distance phone calls).
I fear however that many new mothers abandon breastfeeding through lack of confidence, knowledge and support. For those of us in Hong Kong there is help out there, if you know where to look.
Need some help with breastfeeding? Here are some helpful resources.
La Leche League Hong Kong: supports mothers who want to breastfeed their infants. Offers antenatal courses for those who plan to breastfeed their babies and conducts monthly meetings for breastfeeding mothers. Also offers individual help and information by accredited La Leche League Leaders. Email: lllhk@hotmail.com
Annerley Maternity and Early Childhood Professionals: professional midwives who offer support for pregnant and new mothers. Conducts post-natal home visits in the early weeks, weekly mum and baby groups, antenatal courses that address breastfeeding, phone support and can arrange a lactation consultant if necessary. Email: info@annerley.com.hk
The Family Zone: Yvonne Heavyside is a qualified health visitor, lactation consultant and community nurse from the UK who offers antenatal courses that cover breastfeeding and home care consultations for new mothers to assist with breastfeeding in the early weeks.
Family Health Service (Department of Health): has a breastfeeding counselling hotline for mothers needing help with breastfeeding. Available from Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm and between 2pm and 5.30pm and every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month between 9am and 12pm. Phone 2961 8868.
Hong Kong Breastfeeding Mother’s Association: supports breastfeeding mothers in Hong Kong. Has a 24 hour breastfeeding support hotline for those needing assistance with breastfeeding. Guarantees a response within 24 hours. Phone 2540 3282.
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong: supports, promotes and encourages breastfeeding in Hong Kong. They have a baby friendly hotline offering support for breastfeeding mothers. Phone 2838 7727 between 9am and 9pm.
