HSE in Waterford highlights the benefits of breastfeeding

The HSE Dublin and South East continues to emphasise the theme of this year’s National Breastfeeding Week: “Hold me close: The power of skin-to-skin contact.”

Specialists in lactation working in hospital and community healthcare services say the phrase aptly describes how feeding, bonding, and recovery after birth are supported through skin-to-skin contact.

The HSE is highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding and reiterating the message that improving breastfeeding rates contributes to better long-term population health.

Across Waterford city and county, the HSE provides supports and resources to help parents protect and promote breastfeeding. Specialists in Lactation work alongside Health Promotion and Improvement Officers to encourage breastfeeding as part of health and wellbeing initiatives.

Siobhán Sinnott, Child Health Programme Development Officer for Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South and Waterford/Wexford Integrated Healthcare Areas, HSE Dublin and South East, says: “Parents can get support and advice on establishing breastfeeding from their midwife and public health nurse. They can also ask questions about other aspects of caring for newborns, such as recognising what is normal in the early weeks and soothing a crying or unsettled baby. Hospital and community healthcare Specialists in Lactation can offer support with specific breastfeeding queries and challenges.”

“There are over 30 breastfeeding support groups—both in person and online—available to parents across the Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South and Waterford/Wexford areas. The Cuidiú organisation is a fantastic support, along with library services in each local authority area.”

“A range of online resources is also available, including virtual breastfeeding groups. Practical breastfeeding advice and much more—such as contact details for lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups in the South East—is available on the HSE’s www.MyChild.ie, which includes a seven-day-a-week ‘Ask Our Expert’ live chat and email support service.”

Sophie Whyte, Clinical Midwife Specialist in Infant Feeding, University Hospital Waterford adds: “Breastfeeding supports your child’s health now and in the long term. It’s also important for mothers, aiding recovery after birth and reducing the risk of breast cancer and diabetes. We encourage mothers to attend breastfeeding classes and seek advice during the antenatal period to prepare for the early days and weeks. We’re always delighted to see mums surprise themselves with how well they do—gaining confidence with every feed and enjoying breastfeeding their baby.”

Speaking about last month’s National Breastfeeding Week, Maeve Roche, Clinical Nurse Manager 2 Infant Feeding/Lactation for Waterford, said: “The range of activities highlighted the ongoing work. For example, mums and their babies joined the Cuidiú organisation and the HSE for a coffee morning held in the Brill Family Resource Centre in Waterford (The Family Resource Centre is open is open every Wednesday of the month with midwifery support and a coffee morning on the last Wednesday of the month). HSE staff, members of community hub, Cuidiú and mums marking National Breastfeeding Week at a coffee morning held in the West Waterford Community and Family Hub in Cappoquin. An information stand and education session for staff took place in University Hospital Waterford and in the Waterford Primary Care Centre (John’s Hill).

“Placing a baby directly on their mother’s chest immediately after birth is a key moment. It helps the baby adjust to the outside world and stimulates brain development. It also transfers beneficial bacteria (microbiome) from mother to baby, supporting the development of a healthy gut. Safe skin-to-skin contact should be practised as much as possible as your baby grows. It comforts your baby, helps them feel secure, and builds your confidence in caring for and feeding them. It can also improve sleep for both you and your baby.”