Friends of Breastfeeding was formed by Irish mothers and aims to foster a positive breastfeeding culture in Ireland and raise awareness about breastfeeding support options. They write for us on National Breastfeeding Week to celebrate the benefits that breastfeeding has for both mother and baby, also providing some great advice.
Happy National Breastfeeding Week! We are celebrating this special week after hosting the Breastfeeding Challenge last Saturday.
Why choose to breastfeed? For many reasons! Because breastfeeding is the biologically normal food
for a baby, because it is adapted to your baby and will provide them with 100% of their nutritional
needs. Once you get the hang of it, it is extremely practical as you don’t need to carry any bottles or
worry about washing any equipment: milk is always available, clean, warm and of course, free!
Breastfeeding is also eco-friendly! You can breastfeed your baby anywhere and everywhere as the
law in Ireland protects breastfeeding mums. Most breastfeeding mums will tell you they have never
experienced negativity while feeding their baby out and about.
How do you know that a baby is happy and healthy when breastfed? Breastfed babies tend to eat
little and often. This may seem odd if you are used to bottle-fed infants who usually take larger
amounts of milk in one go. Feeding on demand (i.e. whenever your baby asks) ensures s/he is
getting enough and that your breasts produce enough milk for your baby. In the early days, it’s
important to check that baby is getting enough by keeping an eye on their nappies, and on their
weight gain. It is very rare for a woman to not produce enough milk for her baby.
In countries where breastfeeding is the norm, some with over 95% of babies being breastfed from
birth, breastfeeding difficulties are very rare. This is down to a culture that supports breastfeeding
and still sees it as the norm.
It is important to make ourselves familiar with normal infant feeding behaviour, and know
where to look for help if we need it. We encourage mothers to attend their local breastfeeding
support group prior to their baby’s birth so they know what to expect. Everything about having a
baby is new. Breastfeeding is no different: it is a skill that is new to both the mum and her baby.
Our bodies are wonderful things: everything is meant to work. If your heart or your eyes give
you trouble, you will seek help from a specialist. Our breasts are no different! If something
doesn’t feel right, we should get it checked! There are loads of volunteers here to help, as well
as professionals. Online support can also be invaluable. Always ask when unsure.
How long should you breastfeed for? That is an answer only a mum can answer. It’s important to
note that although you can stop breastfeeding whenever you want to, you should never feel like it’s
your only option. There is often a breastfeeding solution to a breastfeeding problem! The official
guidelines from both the World Health Organisation and the HSE are to breastfeed exclusively for 6
months and then to 2 years and beyond after introduction of solid foods. Worldwide, the average
age of weaning is thought to be somewhere between 4 and 7.
For more information on breastfeeding, check out the following websites and always contact a professional with questions or concerns.
www.friendsofbreastfeeding.ie
www.lalecheleagueireland.com
www.cuidiu-ict.ie
www.alcireland.ie
www.breastfeeding.ie
