National Breastfeeding Helpline Launches Today

Australia’s first 24-hour toll-free helpline for breastfeeding mothers was officially launched today.

1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 2 686) is run by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) and will be manned by over 200 trained volunteer counsellors who will help other mums with issues including the early days with a new baby, expressing and storing milk, weaning, supply and breast refusal.

The 1800 mum 2 mum number replaces 13 different numbers that operated in different states, with different levels of service. The service has proved a word-of-mouth hit even before its official launch, averaging 1214 calls per week in February, which were answered by an average of 214 volunteer counsellors each week.

The increased level of service was made possible by extra funding by the Federal Government. I think it’s a wonderful idea – there is nothing worse than sitting up at 3am with a fussy baby who is not feeding well.