A lactation clinic operates every Friday at Port Macquarie Base Hospital but there is a waiting list to see the consultant. 

“Unfortunately the clinic isn't able to keep up with demand and can be unsuccessful for new mothers,” A spokesperson from the Maternity Choices Hastings (MCH) Port Macquarie branch said. 

“There are also private lactation consultants available locally, which is an option many women choose as they simply can’t wait to get into the lactation clinic.”

A MCH spokesperson said women who are discharged early from hospital or even within the time frame allowed means that women often don’t receive the support they need in the ward after giving birth. 

The spokesperson said that some women who are eligible can choose to be discharged as early as four hours after giving birth.

If women require a longer stay they are still encouraged to discharge two days post natally, after a normal vaginal birth.

The spokesperson said that the reason behind this timeframe is mainly due to lack of funding to have more midwives on duty.

Some women, she said can have difficulties breast feeding from the start, or when their milk comes in at about day three. 

Port Macquarie doula Bec Fitzgerald said initial support for women is crucial for helping to ensure they do not develop postnatal depression or develop infections such as mastitis. 

She encourages all women to seek out a mothers group, even when they are pregnant, as they can help each other with any difficulties.

The MCH spokesperson said women can be prone to postnatal depression, which can be due to lack of support.

“It can be a massive and difficult transition into parenthood and women can often feel alone and isolated without the right support,” the spokesperson said.

“Unfortunately, is often up to the women themselves to seek out the support they need and tap into the resources that are on offer.

“The Hastings is rich in people who are experts in these areas.”

Ms Fitzgerald said hospital staff do an amazing job. 

“They do the best they can with what they have,” she said. 

The MCH spokesperson said that breastfeeding can be more difficult than expected for many new mothers for many different reasons. 

“As mothers we tend to easily layer the guilt upon ourselves from early on,” she said.

“I think that recognising that breastfeeding is difficult and seeking the support necessary to either continue, or decide that it’s not right for you and your baby is important.”

The spokesperson said women should be supported for the choices they make that are right from them and let go of the judgement and fear around it.

Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) midwifery unit manager Sandra Eadie said the district offers a variety of support services for women in the postnatal period.

She said the MNCLHD provides an early discharge program for women who leave hospital within 48 hours of giving birth, which provides postnatal support in the home environment.

The Postnatal Maternity Outpatient Clinic at Port Macquarie Base Hospital offers postnatal maternal and infant health assessments, interdisciplinary health care referrals, education, care and support for women from the time they are discharged from hospital through to six weeks after a child’s birth.

Another service provided to new parents is the Mothercraft Extended Care Program. This program is available for up to two weeks after discharge but can be extended if needed.

Ms Eadie said the MNCLHD also values the important role of community based organisations such as the Australian Breastfeeding Association in providing support to new parents.

Social media can provide access to birthing and parenting groups that also meet locally. 

For more information or to access resources people can visit www.mcahastingsbranch.com or email mcahastingsbranch@gmail.com