The HSE will be highlighting National Breastfeeding Week 2024 (1 to 7 of October) with participation in a number of events in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary.
Seven coffee mornings for breastfeeding mothers (inclusive of talks by specialists in the field), an education meeting and a number of display stands are planned, organised as co-operative ventures with groups including Cuidiú and La Leche League (parent to parent breastfeeding support groups).
The theme of this year’s National Breastfeeding Week is ‘Supporting you from Bump to Baby and Beyond’ and it aims to raise awareness of local supports for parents. Breastfeeding protects babies against lots of illnesses and is designed to meet their every need. According to its 2023 HSE figures, 64% of babies were breastfed from birth. The figure has been rising since a rate of 55% was recorded in 2017.
Across the South East, there are supports and resources available for parents to protect and promote breastfeeding.
There are seven Specialists in Lactation working across the Community and in the Hospitals in the South East. These Specialists work together with other members from the South East Infant Feeding Breastmilk Committee to support the Implementation of the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan. This Action Plan Progress Report (2016-2023) has been published to mark this year’s Week (see https://about.hse.ie/news/hse-publishes-breastfeeding-action-plan-progress-report-2016-2023-ahead-of-national-breastfeeding-week-2024/)
The HSE’s Health Promotion and Improvement Officers are also involved in encouraging breastfeeding as part of health and wellbeing supports and initiatives, including the Sláintecare Healthy Communities programmes in Clonmel, Waterford and Wexford.
Speaking ahead of the National Breastfeeding Week events, Siobhán Sinnott (Child Health Programme Development Officer, HSE/South East Community Healthcare) said:
“Parents can get support and advice on establishing breastfeeding from their Midwife and Public Health Nurse. They can also ask them questions about other aspects of caring for newborn babies, such as recognising what is normal in the early weeks and soothing a crying or unsettled baby. Hospital and community healthcare Lactation Consultants can offer support with specific breastfeeding queries and challenges.”
“The number of breastfeeding groups is also growing in every county. There are now over 32 breastfeeding support groups, both in person and online available for parents across the region. The Cuidiú organisation (see www.Cuidiu.ie) have been fantastic, in addition to the Library services in each local authority area in the South East. There are also a range of online resources, such as virtual breastfeeding groups. Practical breastfeeding advice and so much more (including contact details for lactation support consultants or breastfeeding support groups in the South East etc.) is available on the HSE’s www.MyChild.ie – including the seven day a week “Ask our Expert” live chat and e-mail breastfeeding support service.
Looking forward to the programme of activities marking this year’s National Breastfeeding Week, Claire Bulfin, (Midwife and Lactation Consultant at University Hospital Waterford) says:
“Improving breastfeeding rates will help to improve long term population health. Breastfeeding supports your child’s health now and over the long term. It’s also important for mothers too, supporting their recovery after birth and reducing their risk of breast cancer and diabetes.”
“I encourage mothers to attend breastfeeding classes and get advice for their own situation in the antenatal period, to prepare them for what to expect in the early days and weeks. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing mums surprise themselves at how well they do, gaining confidence with every feed and enjoying breastfeeding their baby.”
Last updated on: 30 / 09 / 2024
