Breastfeeding Rates in Darndale Increasing

Breastfeeding support is a integral part of the Preparing For Life (PFL) Home Visiting Programme with information, advice and support provided by both our Home Visitors and Midwife/Lactation Consultant.  Over the last two and a half years, 61.3% of participants in the programme started breastfeeding in the hospital and 58.1% were breastfeeding leaving hospital.  On average, more than half of those that initiated breastfeeding continued to breastfeed for at least 6 months.  Preparing for Life is delighted to see the breastfeeding rates for our Home Visiting participants in Darndale are now similar to the national rates.  By breastfeeding, Mams are giving their babies a great start in life and we are delighted to support them both at this critical time.

Celebration

To celebrate National Breastfeeding Week 2023, Preparing for Life hosted an event for parents and their babies in the Darndale Belcamp Village Centre on Wednesday 4^th of October. Collette Harte from Harte and Soul Wellness shared her quick tips for busy parents. As a treat she also guided them in an introductory hand reflexology session.

Latching On to Áras an Uachtaráin

Two representatives from Preparing for Life, Niamh Lohan and Melanie Murphy, were proud to attend Áras an Uachtaráin’s annual “Latching on Reception” hosted by Sabina Higgins on the 27^th of September. This event is to celebrate National Breastfeeding week starting from the 1^st to the 7^th of October 2023.

The focus of this year’s event was to raise awareness of the low rates of breastfeeding in Ireland and the increasing supports available to mothers. Representatives from Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, La Leche League, Cuidiu, Rotunda Hospital, Baby Feeding Law Group Ireland, Bainne Beatha and Friends of Breastfeeding Ireland all spoke at the event. Senators, parents and representatives from other organisations were also in attendance.

During her welcoming speech Sabina Higgins mentioned that her main task was to highlight “it’s the Midwife that’s needed” when mothers require support with breastfeeding during pregnancy, birth and in the Community. All of which is provided to parents engaged with the Preparing For Life programme.

For support with Breastfeeding, please contact Melanie on melanie.murphy@nspartnership.ie or 087 290 8386.