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ABA Breastfeeding Services Flyer
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is the largest information and support service for breastfeeding in Australia. ABA is known as an authority worldwide. ABA supports and encourages women who wish to breastfeed or provide breastmilk for their babies. ABA services include membership, a 24‑hour free Breastfeeding Helpline, local groups, education and many resources. Find a wealth of information for parents and for health professionals on our website breastfeeding.asn.au
ABA Professional News – March
Welcome everyone! Isn’t this world a crazy place right now? Each day seems to come with many updates and new challenges. I hope you are getting some downtime and managing to stay healthy.
Covid-19
There is still much to be learned about the transmission process of the coronavirus (COVID-19). What is well known, however, is that breastfeeding provides infants with protection against a range of viral infections including lower respiratory tract infections (LRTs) and health professionals can reassure breastfeeding mothers that they can continue to breastfeed.
COVID-19. Breastfeeding Information and Research Team, Australian Breastfeeding Association
COVID-19 is a corona virus, with much still to be learned about its transmission. Breastfeeding and breastmilk are well-known to be protective against a wide range of viruses1 and health professionals can confidently reassure breastfeeding mothers that they can continue to breastfeed.
Positioning and Attachment
In the early weeks, it is common for breastfeeding women to experience some nipple pain that ceases after the initial attachment. Severe nipple pain, pain that continues beyond the initial attachment or any signs of nipple damage all require investigation. Nipple pain is a commonly reported reason for early breastfeeding cessation. The most common cause of nipple pain is suboptimal positioning and attachment. Hence, supporting women to establish good positioning and attachment is important to help women reach their breastfeeding goals.
Blocked Ducts and Mastitis
Blocked ducts and/or mastitis are common problems experienced by breastfeeding mothers. While blocked ducts and mastitis are distinct entities, the boundaries between them are often blurred. Mastitis often occurs following milk stasis from a blocked duct when milk leaks out from the ducts into surrounding tissue. This does not always signify infection, although the presenting symptoms are frequently similar.
