This week, October 1st – October 7th is National Breastfeeding week.
The HSE acknowledges that the past few months have been very challenging for families with many face-to-face breastfeeding supports were cancelled when the pandemic began.
The National Breastfeeding Coordinator Laura McHugh and National Assistant Breastfeeding Coordinator Meena Purushothaman would like to say “Thank you to HSE staff and others who have continued to provide breastfeeding supports and found new ways to do so.”
Supports for Parents:
The ‘Ask Our Breastfeeding Expert’ service on www.mychild.ie has seen a 57% increase in queries during the Pandemic. This team of lactation consultants give advice through messages and live chat.
Other examples of online supports include:
- antenatal breastfeeding classes
- breastfeeding support groups
- one to one breastfeeding support
See a full range by clicking here.
Face-to-face supports in hospitals and in the community are also being provided where needed.
COVID-19 and breastfeeding:
Breastmilk has anti-infective and anti-inflammatory factors which helps babies to fight infections.
There is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted through breastmilk. Breastfeeding is encouraged as normal. Advice on breastfeeding if you have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 is available here.
Training and events for staff:
Click here for details of webinars taking place during National Breastfeeding Week.
Breastfeeding e-learning modules are available here.
