New parents
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition that a baby can receive and has lots of benefits for mums as well. However this doesn’t mean that all mothers and babies breastfeed easily and naturally.
The first week or two (and sometimes longer) is a learning period for both mother and baby and it is common to encounter some difficulties. With the right support and information, most women do breastfeed successfully.
Many maternity hospitals offer the assistance of a lactation consultant and/or a lactation day stay. This is often available to you even after you have left hospital. Check with the hospital where you have had your baby.
The Maternal and Child Health service also offers a drop-in breastfeeding clinic.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association is also an invaluable source of support and has trained volunteer breastfeeding counsellors who can provide assistance.
You can contact the breastfeeding helpline on 1800 mum 2 mum, 1800 686 2 686. VoIP callers, please drop the last digit and call 1800 686 2 68. Have a pen and paper on hand so you can write down the details of the rostered counsellor or counselling is available via the Australian Breastfeeding Association website.
Postnatal depression
Postnatal depression (PND) is a mood disorder that can occur in women in the months following childbirth. It can develop at any time in the first year after your baby is born and can begin suddenly or develop gradually and persist for many months.
PND affects one in seven women giving birth. It is different from experiencing the ‘baby blues’. The ‘baby blues’ is a short period of sadness, which peaks three to five days after birth and affects up to 80 per cent of women.
Symptoms of PND might include some or all of the following:
- Feeling sad, irritable or unhappy most of the time;
- Loss of interest in work, hobbies or things that used to be enjoyed;
- Chronic exhaustion or hyperactivity;
- Anxiety/panic attacks;
- Loss of confidence and self esteem;
- Feelings of guilt or inadequacy;
- Fear of being alone or of social contact; and
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
If you think you or your partner or somebody you know is experiencing postnatal depression:
Baby capsule hire
By law babies and children must be properly restrained in a car by a correctly fitted restraint that is suitable for the child's size and weight.
There are several companies that hire baby capsules in Hobsons Bay:
- Kids N Cars - 03 9317 3050 / 0410 104 347;
- Hire for Baby - 03 9372 2000 / 0417 371 560;
- Little Child Restraints - 0428 482 693 / 1300 728 363; and
- Just Take the Kids - 0467 67 KIDS (0467 675 437).
Please note: The Council does not provide this service directly or endorse any businesses listed on this page. Company listings are provided for information purposes only.