“Hold Me Close: The power of skin to skin contact.” That is the theme for this year’s National Breastfeeding Week, which aims to highlight the importance of skin-to-skin contact as a key moment immediately after birth. This helps the baby to adjust to the outside world and stimulates their brain. It helps to pass on good bacteria (microbiome) from mother to baby, supporting the development of a healthy gut.
National Breastfeeding Week is marked in the calendar each year from October 1st to 7th. This week, is chosen purposefully, as it is the end of Week 40 of the calendar year, symbolising the first week after a child’s birth.
Breastfeeding is the most natural and healthy way to feed babies and young children. Every breastfeed makes a difference. Any amount of breast milk is beneficial for both mother and baby. The longer you breastfeed, the greater protection for mother, baby and for society. That is why it is crucial that women are empowered, enabled and supported on their breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy. It can be difficult, and there is sometimes a steep learning curve for the family. However, it is important to remember supports are available, online and in your local area.
One valuable resource is the HSE-run MyChild website (www.mychild.ie), which contains trusted information from health experts, as well as advice and tips for breastfeeding and answers to common questions. The website also includes direct online access to a breastfeeding expert called ‘Ask the Expert.’ This is a live chat and e-mail breastfeeding advice service, available 7 days a week. MyChild can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Another valuable resource are local breastfeeding support groups which offer support and advice, as well as an opportunity to meet with other parents on the same journey. Some groups meet online, while for others, in-person meetings have resumed post-COVID. Details on your local group can be found on www.mychild.ie.
There is also a range of additional supports which include breastfeeding preparation and antenatal classes, our midwives and public health nurses and online resources such as virtual breastfeeding groups.
Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are increasing. Between 2021 and 2024, HSE figures show a 2.8% increase in the number of babies being breastfed at the first public health nurse visit. However, the overall breastfeeding rate of 61.8% is still lower than other countries and we know that there is room for further improvements. This National Breastfeeding Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate breastfeeding, to highlight its benefits and challenges, and to reduce the stigma around breastfeeding. Most importantly, it also gives us the opportunity to reinforce the important message that supports are available for families on their breastfeeding journey and that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your child.
In Limerick, National Breastfeeding Week we will be marked on Tuesday 7th October from 10.30am – 12.30pm in King John’s Castle with a free family friendly event. A breastfeeding art exhibition, created by Limerick mums, with be launched and there will be lots of baby friendly activities. To attend register here: https://tinyurl.com/cajs2yud or Google “Breastfeeding Friendly Event Limerick” and register on the Eventbrite page.
This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick.
