Report shows 60% of mothers commence breastfeeding at birth in Portlaoise hospital
John Joyce, General Manager, MRHP; Claire Fitzpatrick, Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation, MRHP; Denise O'Shea with baby Rossa; Meghan Doheney with baby Fynn; Mags Sheeran, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Lactation, MRHP; Eadaoin Cooke, Human Resources, MRHP, and Ita Kinsella, Director of Midwifery, MRHP.
THE Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise (MRHP) held a host of activities during National Breastfeeding Week.
The ‘From Bump to Baby and Beyond’ events highlighted the supports available for breastfeeding mothers, and included an afternoon tea with local breastfeeding support groups and mothers who attended MRHP Maternity Services.
Ahead of National Breastfeeding Week, the HSE published the Breastfeeding Action Plan Progress Report for 2016 to 2023.
The key highlights include in the report showed almost a fourfold increase in the number of dedicated infant feeding specialists available to support mothers around the country (increasing from 15 to 59 since 2017). A new National Infant Feeding Education programme underway for HSE staff and an 18.6% increase in the percentage of babies breastfed at the three months developmental check-up since 2015. It also showed that 60% of mothers commence breastfeeding at birth in Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.
The HSE said that lactation specialists are available in the hospital and that five community support groups are now available for parents in Laois and Offaly. The hospital specialists provide a range of services and resources designed to help mothers initiate and maintain breastfeeding. Their aim is to empower mothers, to enhance their confidence and improve breastfeeding outcomes, helping mothers to reach their personal goals with feeding.
The Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise Claire Fitzpatrick said: “It’s great to see all that’s been achieved over the last few years. We have increased supports available for breastfeeding mothers in the hospital and community as well as the upward trend of breastfeeding rates. It really is encouraging progress but we know there is a lot more work to be done to ensure every family is supported to have the best possible infant feeding journey, every step of the way.
“We encourage mums-to-be to prepare for feeding while pregnant. They can attend the hospital preparation courses and attend the local community breastfeeding groups before baby arrives, to gain knowledge and realistic expectations and also to know how to access help if needed.”
She said: “Support is available after baby is born by the hospital Lactation Consultant, Public Health Nurses and local support groups. These groups are safe spaces for mothers at all stages, whether someone is pregnant and thinking about breastfeeding, new to breastfeeding and have questions, or are having problems with breastfeeding. They provide non-judgemental advice and support.”
Mother of two Portlaoise woman Denise O’Shea said: “My baby Rossa had a tough start in his care journey and the education and guidance we received along the way in Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise made a stressful situation much easier. They really listen to the mother and help empower us to make informed decisions on our care needs.”
Details of local breastfeeding support groups and the HSE ‘Ask our Breastfeeding Expert’ support service, are available on mychild.ie, as well as practical advice across a wide range of breastfeeding and other parenting and child health topics.
