Staff in the Maternity Department at University Hospital Galway are this week promoting the importance of breastfeeding as the normal and healthy way to feed babies and young children.
The theme of this year’s National Breastfeeding Week – which began on Friday – is ‘Feeding the future: Supporting breastfeeding through a pandemic and beyond.’
Claire Cellarius, who is a Breast Feeding/ Lactation Specialist Midwife, said that breastfeeding gives babies the best start for a healthy life and it protects both mum and baby.
“Its health benefits are undisputed and I would encourage all mums-to-be to consider breastfeeding,” she said.
“Last year during the pandemic we introduced breastfeeding webinars to continue to provide support, educate and reduce the social isolation some expectant mothers were experiencing.
“The webinars are free and women can register to take part by going to www.uhgmaternity.com.”
The next webinar will take place on Thursday 7 October at 2.00pm and the UHG team will be available throughout the webinar to provide support and advice and there is also an opportunity for women to ask questions.
“Some of the topics addressed during the breastfeeding webinar include the benefits, techniques and challenges of breastfeeding, questions related to breast pumps and links to Community breastfeeding support groups,” added Claire Cellarius.
“We are continuing our postnatal virtual clinics every Monday to Wednesday from 12 to 1.00pm to support mothers with breastfeeding challenges.
“For more information on these clinics contact 091 893470. Over the next few weeks we are looking forward to reintroducing our face to face breastfeeding clinics and information about these will be on our website.
“During National Breastfeeding Week the Maternity Department at UHG will have information stands available throughout the unit for women to access information about breastfeeding.
“To finish the week, the Maternity Department will be holding a breastfeeding quiz with lots of prizes for mums, bumps and staff.”
