Breastfeeding

As an exhausted first-time mum, Galen Elliott says she felt "like her world exploded" when she was told there was a potential problem with her newborn.

Despite the testimonials by businesses selling lactation cookies and nursing teas, the evidence around the efficacy of these products is limited.

It really should come as no surprise to Arj Barker that the eviction of a breastfeeding mother from his Melbourne show has whipped up another round of culture wars, but these situations are complicated by differing experiences and emotional triggers — and culture wars aren't good with detail.

We spoke to mothers to hear about their experiences of taking their breastfed babies to live gigs such as the theatre and concerts, including one who welcomes babies at shows of her own.

Most mothers start out breastfeeding their baby, but by the time babies are five months old, exclusive breastfeeding drops to 15 per cent. Valuing breastfeeding as work could help change that.

A clinical trial starting this year will look at whether premature babies born later than 32 weeks might benefit from donated breast milk. 

It's the ultra-processed milk powder intentionally marketed as a follow-on to breastfeeding or infant formulae. But the evidence suggests toddler or transition milks are unnecessary at best and harmful at worst.

Some women who desperately want to breastfeed their babies are giving up because of a lack of support in regional and rural Australia. 

Most breastfeeding women are "understandably confused" about how to minimise harm when consuming alcohol.

At Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, 70 per cent of First Nations women opt for formula for their babies over breastfeeding. The city's Indigenous community is trying to tackle the issue.

How hospitals approach the needs of a patient who is also breastfeeding can have a significant impact on both mum and bub, and most Australian hospitals aren't offering accredited support. 

Many perinatal specialists believe that new mothers need more support in the fourth trimester — the 12 weeks after birth. They're turning to social media for it.

The woman says she wanted to leave the Canberra restaurant so she could pump her breasts with privacy, but she was told she needed to stay on site.

Five years ago, Raidah approached her brother with an unusual idea. She wanted to bond their families through an ancient practice that carries implications under Islamic law. 

Mothers supply essential microbes that seed their baby's microbiome even when children are born via caesarean section, a new study suggests.

While some caregivers told us they don't hesitate to breastfeed in shared spaces, others explained it isn't always straightforward.

While research shows women can be nervous about breastfeeding in public, negative reactions are rare.

While breasts continue to be viewed primarily as sexual objects, there will always be challenges for women to embrace feeding in public — especially when it's with their toddler. 

Kirsten Meadows' premature babies spent 10 weeks in a special care nursery — but instead of spending the usual 13 weeks in the nursery, Ms Meadows' daughters went home three weeks early.

The growth of breastfeeding groups on social media is seeing "women helping women" to nurse their babies for longer in the face of limited access to in-person support during the pandemic.

For generations, Pacific Islander women sat cross-legged on the floor and fed their babies on demand. But breastfeeding rates have fallen over the past 20 years, so why are fewer women nursing their babies?

After Belinda's newborn son was losing weight, she knew he needed more than just breastmilk. Now, thanks to a simple tube, she formula feeds and breastfeeds her son all at the same time. 

Most mothers are not offered the option to donate their breastmilk after losing a baby, despite research showing it can assist the grieving process.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are being urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Unclear COVID vaccine recommendations have left many breastfeeding women confused. Here's what you need to know.