University Hospital Galway is highlighting the supports available for new mothers through National Breastfeeding Week.
National Breastfeeding Week is marked each year from October 1 – 7, it is an opportunity to discuss the importance of breastfeeding as the normal and healthy way to feed babies and young children.
Breastfeeding gives babies the best start for a healthy life and it protects both mother and baby, the health benefits are undisputed. It is also crucial that women are empowered, enabled and supported on their breastfeeding journey.
“This year’s theme, ‘Making our communities and workplaces more breastfeeding friendly’ aims at highlighting the local supports available to parents.
Many breastfeeding mothers need ongoing support to continue breastfeeding and it’s important that they know they are not alone and that expert help is available to them every step of the way on their breastfeeding journey.
“Breastfeeding is a learned skill acquired through education, observation and experience. While it is the most natural way to feed babies it’s also a skill that mum and baby learn during the early days and weeks,” explains Claire Cellarius, specialist midwife at UHG.
During National Breastfeeding Week the Maternity Department at UHG will have information stands available throughout the unit for women to access information about breastfeeding and gift bags will be presented to all mums who deliver during National Breastfeeding Week.
Education and awareness sessions for transition year students will take place on Tuesday, October 3 and Friday, October 6 about the importance of breastfeeding.
These are a collaboration between University Hospital Galway, Health Promotion and Community Nutrition and Dietetic Services, and Community Healthcare West.
Regular supports available at University Hospital Galway include Antenatal Breastfeeding Education both in the hospital, and via outreach clinics.
Live webinars with midwives and a consultant neonatologist also take place once a month, which you can register for, or find out more about at www.uhgmaternity.com.
Weekly virtual support clinics for mothers with a Lactation Specialist Midwife are also available. Times and details of which are available at www.mychild.ie.
The hospital also offers the ‘Well Breastfeeding Clinic’, the first of its kind in Ireland, which helps mothers who are having difficulty feeding their child early on.
“The clinic identifies a wide range of breastfeeding issues and all referrals to the clinic are through the postnatal ward at UHG or your local Public Health Nurse,” Claire Cellarius said.
The hospital recently recruited two additional Lactation Consultants to help expand breastfeeding support services, and added an additional clinic to the Well Breastfeeding service due to popular demand.
