Birthing services in the Top End

Breastfeeding support

The Royal Darwin Hospital is a breastfeeding friendly health initiative service.

We promote breastfeeding as the normal way to feed a baby.

If you have problems with breastfeeding, you can see a lactation consultant.

A lactation consultant is a midwife who supports women with breastfeeding.

For more information, call 08 8922 7602.

Australian Breastfeeding Association

The Australian Breastfeeding Association is Australia’s largest breastfeeding information and support service.

You can call the 24-hour breastfeeding helpline, attend classes and join local support groups.

For more information, go to the Australian Breastfeeding Association website.

Childbirth and vaginal birth after caesarean education

Childbirth education sessions are run by midwives who share information on:

• pregnancy
• childbirth
• early parenting
• breastfeeding.

These are for pregnant women and their one support person.

The sessions are free for clients with a Medicare card. If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you will be charged a fee.

They also run information sessions on vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) for women who have had a previous caesarean. These can help them decide how they would like to birth their babies and prepare for birth.

For more information, contact patient accounts by emailing them at patientaccountsRDH.DOH@nt.gov.au or calling 08 8922 7680.

Days and times

Sessions for childbirth education are held on:

• Saturdays from 9.30am to 3pm as part of a one-day workshop
• Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 8.30pm as part of a two-week program

VBAC information sessions are held every 6 to 8 weeks for a 2-hour session.

During COVID-19 outbreaks, classes may be run online via ZOOM.

How to book

If you would like to attend, email ChildbirthEd.THS@nt.gov.au with your:

• name
• date of birth
• due date
• preferred session.

You will receive a response with your booked session. They aim to book you in for a class when you’re 30 to 34 weeks pregnant.

For more information on childbirth education or VBAC information sessions, call 08 8922 6934.

Childbirth Education Association

Childbirth Education Association Darwin is a not for profit organisation.

They provide information and support for women and their families.

The association offers:

• birth preparation courses
• active birth workshop
• pregnancy yoga
• regular morning teas
• library and general resources
• referral to private doula practitioners (birth support attendants).

For more information, go to the Childbirth Education Australia Darwin website. You can also call them on 08 8948 3043 or email them at info@ceadarwin.asn.au.