The HSE has published the Breastfeeding Action Plan Progress Report (2016-2023) ahead of National Breastfeeding Week 2024. Breastfeeding protects babies against lots of illnesses and is designed to meet their every need.
In the county of Donegal there are supports and resources available for parents to protect and promote breastfeeding.
There are two HSE Lactation specialists available in Donegal.
Kate Finnamore who is based in Letterkenny University Hospital and Mary McFeely who is based in the community.
There are now 10 breastfeeding support groups available for parents across County Donegal.
50% of mothers are breastfeeding on discharge from Letterkenny University Hospital and 31% of mothers are still breastfeeding 3 months later.
“This year the theme for National Breastfeeding Week is ‘Supporting you from Bump to Baby and Beyond.’
Mary McFeely, HSE Lactation Specialist, Donegal, said, “True to this and on the run up to National Breastfeeding Week, I delivered a Breastfeeding Preparation Class on the 19 of September in the Family Resource Centre in Stranorlar to facilitate working mums who are keen to receive breastfeeding education.”
Our two lactation specialists, Kate and Mary, have organised a series of events for National Breastfeeding Week 2024. On Tuesday, October 1, an event will be held at the Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny from 10am to 3pm. This event will feature guest speaker Dr. Sarah Brennan, a GP and breastfeeding advocate, who will focus on education regarding breastfeeding and mindfulness. Additionally, renowned author and Lactation Consultant Nancy Mohbacher from Chicago will give a talk via Zoom at 2pm. La Leche League leader Jan Crommie will provide insights on the early days of breastfeeding, along with other educational sessions throughout the day.
Breastfeeding mothers are invited to participate in the “Letterkenny Latch On” event, where they can breastfeed in Café Trax, Letterkenny Shopping Centre at 10am on Monday, October 7. This initiative aims to help normalize breastfeeding in public.
We encourage expectant mothers to attend any of the breastfeeding support groups available throughout the county. You can find information about breastfeeding support groups in Donegal on the mychild.ie website.
Our support groups are safe spaces for mothers at all stages, whether someone is pregnant and thinking about breastfeeding, new to breastfeeding and have questions, or are having problems with breastfeeding. We are here to provide non-judgemental advice and support at each one of the breastfeeding groups around the country. Support people are also welcome, whether that is dad, partner, granny, grandad, or a trusted friend. Take the opportunity to ask those questions or alleviate any concerns you may have.
Donna, a first-time mother from Letterkenny wrote on Your Service Your Say “A massive thank you to Mary McFeely for all the help, guidance and support you have given me during my breastfeeding journey. The support group on Friday mornings in the Pastoral Centre has been amazing. Without Mary and the other mums, I would have given up months ago. But having the continuous support from Mary has empowered me to continue to breastfeed my little boy. Such a great service for postnatal mums. Thank you, Mary!”
Last updated on: 24 / 09 / 2024
