The Team also looks after breastfeeding mothers admitted to the Medical and Surgical units. Referrals can be made through the hospital Clinical Management System or directly to the Team through telephone, between 9am and 5pm. For mothers with breast complications admitted to the Surgical unit, the breast care nurse would notify the Team as soon as possible, so that an agreed plan can be made between the mother, the breast care team and the lactation consultant, with an aim to maintaining the lactation.

As more mothers choose to breastfeed, direct or through pumping, the incidence of blocked milk ducts increases. There is emerging evidence^2,3 suggesting that therapeutic ultrasound may be an effective treatment option when compresses and frequent milk removal fail to resolve the blocked ducts. Since 2015, the Team has collaborated with the physiotherapists to establish a fast track mechanism so that ultrasound treatment can be given as early as possible.
To resolve breastfeeding problems related to tongue-tie in the baby, a multidisciplinary team approach is warranted. This involves close collaboration between the Infant Feeding Team, paediatrician, plastic surgeon, occupational therapist and physiotherapist. For babies who have undergone release of their tongue-tie, post-operative tongues exercise supervised by the occupational / physio-therapists and monitoring by the Team is mandatory.
Providing comprehensive and expert breastfeeding support service is part and parcel of a high quality maternity service. To support mothers to successfully establish and sustain breastfeeding, services need to be continuous (which may span from antenatal through postnatal to post-hospital discharge) and comprehensive (often requiring input from a multidisciplinary team). Other than technical assistance, mothers with breastfeeding problems also need encouragement from dedicated and caring health professionals to help them build confidence. It is the duty of the Infant Feeding Team to make all these happen.