Breastfeeding Support: How an Online Midwife Can Help New Mums
For something so natural, breastfeeding can be surprisingly challenging. Many women expect it to just “happen,” only to discover it takes time, patience and the right support. From sore nipples and unsettled babies to worries about milk supply, it’s no wonder so many mums feel overwhelmed in the early weeks.
That’s exactly why Dial A Midwife exists. We’re a free, online service staffed with endorsed midwives who can provide evidence-based care and breastfeeding advice to make your breastfeeding journey a little smoother.
Common Breastfeeding Challenges That New Mums Face
Breastfeeding looks different for every woman and baby. Some take to it straight away, while others encounter hurdles such as:
Latching difficulties – baby struggles to latch properly, causing pain and frustration for mother and baby.
Concerns about supply – worrying whether you’re making “enough” milk.
Sore or cracked nipples – a common but uncomfortable issue in the first weeks.
Engorgement or blocked ducts – leading to discomfort or mastitis if untreated.
Unsettled or fussy feeds – when baby seems restless or feeds take a long time.
Uncertainty about positioning – wondering which holds are best for comfort and effective feeding.
While these challenges are common, they’re also manageable with the right support. That’s where our online midwives come in.
How an Online Midwife Can Help With Breastfeeding
You don’t have to wait for a clinic appointment or struggle through late-night Google searches. An online midwife is just a click away, ready to help you in real time. Here’s how:
1. Guidance With Latching and Positioning
Sometimes, a small tweak in how you position your baby makes all the difference. Our midwives can walk you through different holds, like the cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying position, and help you find what’s most comfortable for you and your baby. It’s amazing just how much help we can provide via a video call.
2. Reassurance About Milk Supply
Many mums worry they aren’t making enough milk. Our midwives can assess supply and provide all of the necessary checks that baby is getting enough milk, explain the signs that your baby is feeding well, how to boost supply if needed, and help determine if extra care is needed.
3. Pain Relief and Nipple Care
Sore nipples shouldn’t be ignored. We’ll share practical tips and remedies to ease discomfort and prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
4. Advice on Pumping and Storage
Whether you’re planning to return to work, want your partner to help with feeds, or just need some flexibility, our midwives can guide you through expressing milk, safe storage and making expressing work for you.
5. Emotional Support and Confidence-Building
Breastfeeding isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. Feeling unsure, judged, or “not good enough” is something many mums go through. Having a midwife to listen and reassure you can make all the difference in building confidence.
The Benefits of Online Midwifery Support
So, why choose an online midwife instead of waiting for face-to-face support?
Convenience – Get help from home, day or night, without juggling appointments.
Accessibility – Perfect for mums in rural or remote areas.
Immediate reassurance – No waiting weeks for your questions to be answered.
Free service – With Dial A Midwife, expert breastfeeding support costs nothing.
Confidential and safe – A private, non-judgmental space to share your worries.
A Real Example
Take Emma, a first-time mum who reached out to Dial A Midwife after days of painful feeding. Her baby wasn’t latching well and she worried about her supply. After an online video call with one of our midwives, we were able to assess a feed, recommend adjustments to positioning and monitor baby’s weight gain. Emma learned how to check if her baby was swallowing and got tips for soothing sore nipples. Immediately, the feeding was more comfortable—and within days, her confidence had skyrocketed. She choose to continue weekly appointments with our service so that we could provide regular preventative care and together, we debriefed her birth, helped her adjust to motherhood and Emma remarked that had learned so much more from us than the original concerns she came to us with. She left our service feeling confident and calm after receiving continuity of care from the same midwife for every appointment.
FAQs About Online Breastfeeding Support
1. Can an online midwife really help with latching if they can’t be there in person?
Yes! Many issues can be solved through clear guidance, video calls and step-by-step instructions. It’s always worth trying our service first for all breastfeeding issues – we’re experts in breastfeeding and it’s rare that we can’t solve an issue – free of charge (with a Medicare card)!
2. Do I still need to see a lactation consultant?
All of our midwives provide excellent support and are experts in breastfeeding, but if we felt that you needed more specialised care, we’d let you know and point you toward the right services. It’s always worth starting with our service – it’s free and almost all of the time, we are able to solve breastfeeding issues by offering initial appointments within one day, from the comfort of your lounge.
3. Is this service really free?
Absolutely - Dial A Midwife is 100% free with a Medicare card — because every mum deserves access to quality breastfeeding support.
4. Can I use this service if I’m bottle-feeding or mixed feeding?
Yes! Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, mixed feeding, using formula or expressing, our midwives are here to support you without judgment.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Breastfeeding can be rewarding, but it’s not always straightforward. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. At Dial A Midwife, our online midwives are ready to support you with practical care and evidence-based advice, reassurance and encouragement—so you can feel more confident and comfortable in your feeding journey.
👉 Need breastfeeding support right now? Visit Dial A Midwife