National Breastfeeding Week to highlight the great benefits

NEW mothers and mothers-to-be are invited to come along to a local breastfeeding group’s celebration of National Breastfeeding Week next Tuesday, October 3, from 11am until 1pm.

The newly formed group is led by Sarah Glennon from the HSE, who is an infant feeding and lactation specialist. They meet every Tuesday morning in the Kilnamanagh/Tymon Primary Care Centre.

While the group only started last August, it already has an average of 10 to 15 attendees per meeting where the women in attendance get to share their experiences of breastfeeding.

Explaining why the group was set up, Ms Glennon told The Echo: “My role is to try to reinstate the breastfeeding support groups in the local area so women can build their own local community support.

“It’s about normalising breastfeeding and having that support from other women who might be having the same issues.”

Some women enjoy attending the group as a social outlet, while others use it to seek advice and support for difficulties they may be facing.

These can include problems with latching, painful feeds, babies not gaining as much weight from the milk as they should, and recurring bouts of blocked ducts.

The group helps to address these issues, while also creating a welcoming environment that highlights the benefits of breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding is really important, because the milk is tailor-made for each baby, and the mam’s milk adapts for the baby at every feed,” explained Ms Glennon.

“There’s loads of benefits to breastfeeding: less risk of respiratory and gastro illnesses in babies, a lower chance of childhood cancer, and it helps with bonding and mental health.

“There’s also a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer in mothers, and it takes away the huge financial burden of buying formula.”

The group is looking forward to celebrating its first National Breastfeeding Week (October 1 to 7) together with the event on Tuesday morning and all are welcome to attend.

Refreshments will be available on the day, and it will provide an opportunity to reflect on the importance of breastfeeding and to commend the mothers for doing so.

“It’s to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week, and highlight breastfeeding and that it should be celebrated,” added Ms Glennon.

“Breastfeeding mams should be celebrated because there is work involved, but they’re doing a great job.”

The group is free to join, and they meet every Tuesday morning in the Kilnamanagh/Tymon Primary Care Centre from 11am until 12.30pm.

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