Breastfeeding and lactation support.
Breastfeeding is often described as natural, and it can be. It's also frequently harder than expected, especially in the first weeks. Aurora GPs support new mothers through the whole arc, from latch and supply issues in the early days through returning to work, weaning, and everything in between. Dr Yashodha Ediriweera has IBCLC lactation training.
Part of women's health.
Breastfeeding support at Aurora ranges from a fifteen-minute consultation about a specific concern to ongoing support through the first year and beyond. Aurora GPs see breastfeeding as part of women's health, not a separate specialty, and there's no threshold you have to reach before it's worth booking.
Dr Yashodha Ediriweera at Earlwood has IBCLC lactation training. Other Aurora GPs regularly manage breastfeeding concerns as part of postnatal and infant care.
Reasons women book with us.
What happens when you come in.
We start with your birth, how feeding has gone so far, what you've tried, how your baby is going, and what you're most concerned about. We look at a feed if we can, or talk through what feeds are looking like.
For latch and technique concerns, we work through positions and adjustments, and you may need to try different approaches over subsequent visits.
For supply concerns, we take a broader view: sleep, nutrition, hydration, medications, the birth experience, and hormonal factors can all play a role. Sometimes the issue is what you'd expect. Sometimes it isn't.
For pain concerns, we look at latch, and also at less obvious contributors like tongue tie, thrush, vasospasm, or damaged skin needing time and care.
For medication questions, we check what's safe during lactation. Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding, but some aren't, and some need a different approach. Your GP can look this up with you.
Allied support where it helps.
Referrals within SMSG are seamless and coordinated back through your Aurora GP.
Across all three centres.
Confirmed at booking.
Billing arrangements vary by practitioner. Reception confirms the specific fee at booking. Longer consultations or extended lactation review appointments may attract a different fee.
Common questions.
When should I book if I'm having difficulty?
As soon as you feel you need support. Waiting rarely helps. Common early concerns like painful latch or supply worry are more resolvable when addressed early.
Can I bring baby to the appointment?
Yes, please do. Watching a feed is often the most useful part of the appointment.
Can Aurora GPs prescribe for medications that support supply, or manage mastitis?
Yes. Aurora GPs manage the standard medical concerns that come up in breastfeeding, including mastitis, thrush, medications and safe combinations.
Do I need to book with Dr Ediriweera specifically?
Not always. Most breastfeeding concerns can be managed by any Aurora GP. Dr Ediriweera has IBCLC lactation training if you'd prefer to book with her.
What if I want to wean?
Weaning is part of breastfeeding care. We support you whatever your goal is, whether that's continuing longer than average or stopping sooner. Aurora GPs help you work through the physical and emotional side of weaning at your pace.
What if I've been told I can't breastfeed for a medical reason?
Come and see us anyway. Some situations that are described as “can't breastfeed” turn out to be manageable, and where they aren't, we support you with formula feeding, mixed feeding, and the emotional side of that.
Are there support services outside SMSG?
Yes. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (1800 686 268) offers 24-hour peer support and is a good resource alongside GP care.
