I am very grateful for the expert help and advice from Sheila in getting through the persistent issues I had with breastfeeding Halle,” explains mum Kelsie O’Mahony, from Schull, Co Cork, reflecting on her positive experience of the support she received from Sheila Lucey, West Cork based public health nurse and lactation consultant.

Kelsie says her experience of breastfeeding both her children was very different. She would advise mothers experiencing issues to follow advice from a trusted healthcare professional such as a lactation consultant:

“I wouldn’t have been able to breastfeed for 8 weeks, let alone exclusively breastfeed Halle for 8 months, without the constant support from the breastfeeding group and help from Sheila.”

Sheila, in turn, outlines how she met Kelsie “multiple times over the last year and got to know her and her daughter Halle well during that time. When I first met Kelsie, we discussed what her breastfeeding goals were and, as problems arose, I saw her more regularly at my clinic or at the breastfeeding group in Bantry.

 “Kelsie had troublesome and persistent blocked ducts on one side in particular, which can be common. She is also a mother to her three-year-old son, so she did very well balancing caring for her new daughter and overcoming more issues second-time around with breastfeeding.

 “I encouraged Kelsie and let her know that it was perfectly safe to continue feeding Halle even during mastitis. We discussed watching out for signs of starting blocked duct/mastitis. First and foremost, I supported Kelsie to optimise a comfortable deep attachment at the breast. I provided tips for physiological management such as cold therapy for symptomatic relief, and lymphatic drainage, to alleviate oedema - intervening when necessary with analgesia and antibiotics. Additionally I am delighted to have been in a position to provide Kelsie with therapeutic ultrasound which proved very effective at reducing localised inflammation and oedema.

“I am delighted to have played a part in helping Kelsie and Halle, and I recommend mothers to try out local breastfeeding services available in every county, many of which are run by public health nurses.”

The HSE’s Breastfeeding Action Plan Progress Report for 2016 to 2023, highlighting an upward trend in breastfeeding rates, has also been published in recent weeks. It shows an almost a fourfold increase in the number of dedicated infant feeding specialists available to support mothers (increasing from 15 to 59 since 2017).

According to Laura McHugh, HSE National Breastfeeding Coordinator, “it’s great to see all that’s been achieved over the last few years. Despite challenges, we have seen increased supports for breastfeeding mothers in hospitals and the community, as well as the upward trend of breastfeeding rates. It is encouraging to see this progress but we know there is a lot more work to be done to ensure every family is supported to have the best possible infant feeding journey, every step of the way.

“In response to parents’ feedback and new evidence, we have recently developed a new National Infant Feeding Education Programme for midwives and public health nurses around the country. This new resource will help ensure parents receive consistent, up-to-date, evidence-based advice and information from the HSE health experts supporting them.”

Sheila further adds that they are “keen to encourage mums-to-be to consider preparing for feeding while pregnant. I would advise anyone to reach out and come along to the local community breastfeeding group before the baby arrives - to help with preparation and planning ahead. Our support groups are safe spaces for mothers at all stages, whether someone is pregnant and thinking about breastfeeding, new to breastfeeding and has questions, or if they are having problems.

“We are here to provide non-judgemental advice and support at each and every one of the 215 breastfeeding groups around the country. Support people are also welcome, whether that is dad, partner, granny, grandad or a trusted friend. We want everyone to take the opportunity to ask those questions or alleviate any concerns they may have.”

Skilled breastfeeding supports are available in all maternity units and hospitals, in local health services, and online where parents can ask breastfeeding experts questions at mychild.ie.