Breast-feeding

Date: October 2023 | By Dr Una Kennedy.

Pregnant and thinking about how to feed your baby?

You may have noticed your breasts changing as your pregnancy progresses. Your breasts start to increase in size because they are now producing colostrum, which will be your baby’s first food.

It is helpful to learn more about breastfeeding while you are pregnant. Your GP, GP practice nurse, midwife, or public health nurse (PHN) will be happy to discuss feeding your baby. Parents can attend a free breastfeeding class with the midwife or lactation consultant in the maternity hospital. They will explain:

  • The importance of breastfeeding.

  • Why breastfeeding is the normal way to nourish your baby.

  • Types of labour and birth that enhance your breastfeeding experience.

  • Why learning how to hand express your breast milk is a useful skill to learn before the birth of your baby.

  • The importance of early safe skin-to-skin contact after the birth.

  • How breastfeeding in the first hour after birth provides food, comfort and a good start for your baby’s immune system.

  • Rooming-in – this means being with your baby throughout the day and night and having them sleep in a cot or crib beside your bed. This helps you to learn their feeding cues.

  • Responsive feeding – recognising and responding to your baby’s cues to tell you they’re hungry or full.

  • The importance of correct positioning and attaching (latching on) when breastfeeding.

  • Why you might want to avoid using soothers, particularly in the early weeks of breastfeeding, because a soother may decrease the number of feeds your baby takes. This can interfere with your milk production.

  • Why you should avoid formula top-ups unless there are medical reasons for giving them.

  • Information on breastfeeding support groups.

    • Below are some useful resources you can refer to (your own midwife/maternity hospital is a great place to start!):

    Rotunda

    www.rotunda.ie/breastfeeding/

    Cuidiu - Irish Childbirth Trust

    Cuidiú - The Irish Childbirth Trust provide support services in Antenatal and Birth Preparation, Breastfeeding, Postnatal and Parenthood. Cuidiu is a nationwide group and has a diverse programme of events and activities running throughout the country in local Branches including antenatal classes, breastfeeding support groups, mother and baby groups and postnatal support groups. Visit the Cuidiú website.

    La Leche League in Ireland

    The La Leche League in Ireland is a voluntary organisation which provides information and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies. Accredited La Leche League Leaders organise monthly meetings and are also available at any time to speak with a mother in person or on the telephone. Leaders are volunteer mothers who have enjoyed nursing their own babies and who see the importance of helping other mothers develop a happy nursing relationship. Visit the La Leche League in Ireland website.

    Friends of Breastfeeding

    Friends of Breastfeeding works to ensure that women in Ireland achieve their desired breastfeeding experience. They network to connect women in Ireland who want to breastfeed with their local support system. They also work to build communities of supportive friends, family and health professionals - “friends” of breastfeeding. Visit the Friends of Breastfeeding website.

    ebrastfedbabies.org

    The Northern Ireland Health Promotion Agency's breastfeeding website provides a wide range of information about breastfeeding for mothers and employers in Northern Ireland. Visit breastfedbabies.org.

    The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland

    The purpose of the Association of Lactation Consultants Ireland (ALCI) is to promote the professional development, advancement and recognition of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants ( IBCLC) for the benefit of breastfeeding infants and children, mothers, families and the wider community. Visit the ALCI website.

    -- Rachel Conway
    RGN, Midwife, IBCLC.