A state government parliamentary inquiry into perinatal services heard that there were many barriers to breastfeeding, including a lack of support and knowledge from health practitioners, early discharge from hospitals, stigma around breastfeeding, advertising of formula marketing and mothers returning to work. 

The committee recommended the government fund and establish day stay lactation clinics. South West Coast MP Roma Britnell said the report recognised that breastfeeding wasn’t easy for all women and it should be well and truly supported for those who wanted to do it.

The inquiry also heard of the benefits of the Warrnambool breastfeeding centre and the support it provided to young families.