The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) operates a helpline for breastfeeding mothers, providing 88,000 women annually with free access to trained counsellors. News Ltd reports that funding expires in June and "the association says there is no process for it to reapply for the $1 million a year grant it relies on to survive." The ABA has submitted an unsolicited proposal for continued funding. 

Breastfeeding is natural, but not always easy. The World Health Organisation says "virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large". The Breastfeeding Helpline offers a service that GPs and hospitals generally do not, and its loss would affect Australia's wider health care system. 

We call on the Hon. Sussan Ley MP, Minister for Health to ensure ongoing funding of the ABA's Breastfeeding Helpline, so it can continue its vital work helping mothers and their babies.