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Australian Breastfeeding Association

The Australian Breastfeeding Association(ABA) is a non-profit organisation founded in 1964 to encourage and support mothers who want to breastfeed their babies, while raising community awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and human milk to child and maternal health.

ABA’s 1200 trained volunteer breastfeeding counsellors and community educators provide services over the phone, online and face-to-face in the community to support mothers.

These services include the 24-hour Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268), eCounselling, antenatal Breastfeeding Education Classes, local support groups and evidence-based information provided online and in books and other literature. Mothers access the full range of ABA benefits by becoming a member.

Breastfeeding counsellors are mothers who have breastfed at least one baby and have completed a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education. They work voluntarily to provide empathy, reassurance and up-to-date information to help other mothers.

The ABA’s Lactation Resource Centre (LRC) collects research and information on breastfeeding from around the world into an accessible resource library. The LRC provides professional development opportunities and expert assistance to health professionals working with breastfeeding mothers. Training includes live venue and online seminars and home study courses.

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This information was originally published on healthdirect - Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Last reviewed: May 2018

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In this section, you will find answers to most of your breastfeeding questions

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How does an epidural work?With an epidural, a small plastic tube is inserted between the bones of your spine, into the space around your spinal cord. A combination of drugs is given through the tube. A local anaesthetic blocks nerves in the spinal cord that transmit pain signals and an opiate provides further pain relief.

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Breastfeeding Education Classes | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Expecting a baby? Have you got questions about breastfeeding? Most babies breastfeed within an hour of being born, so it pays to learn what to do well before your baby is due

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This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.