HSE launches regional events for Breastfeeding Week
The Health Service Executive will host a series of community gatherings across Sligo, South Donegal, Leitrim and West Cavan from 1‑7 October to promote breastfeeding support. The programme highlights rising national rates, specialist staff expansion and offers practical advice through public health nurses and lactation midwives.
Source:
HSE — Health Service Executive
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⏱️ 2 min read
The HSE’s National Breastfeeding Week runs from 1 – 7 October under the theme “Every step forward: Strengthening support for babies and families”. Over the week, a slate of events will take place in Sligo, South Donegal, Leitrim and West Cavan, providing parents with evidence‑based guidance, peer support and access to specialist lactation professionals.
Marla Kennedy, Antenatal Education Midwife Manager at Sligo University Hospital, explained that breastfeeding confers significant health benefits for both mother and child, including faster uterine recovery, reduced postpartum bleeding and lower long‑term risks of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. She added that the week offers a vital opportunity to ensure mothers receive the information, encouragement and practical assistance needed to make informed feeding choices.
Maire McGetrick, Director of Public Health Nursing for the region, noted that many families encounter questions and challenges in the early weeks after discharge, and that public health nurses are on hand to provide reassurance, practical support and evidence‑based advice. The events form part of a broader HSE campaign that celebrates rising breastfeeding rates—now over 65 % at birth—and the growth of specialist infant‑feeding staff, with 60 dedicated professionals and more than 800 healthcare workers trained through the National Infant Feeding Education Programme.
Marla Kennedy, Antenatal Education Midwife Manager at Sligo University Hospital, explained that breastfeeding confers significant health benefits for both mother and child, including faster uterine recovery, reduced postpartum bleeding and lower long‑term risks of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. She added that the week offers a vital opportunity to ensure mothers receive the information, encouragement and practical assistance needed to make informed feeding choices.
Maire McGetrick, Director of Public Health Nursing for the region, noted that many families encounter questions and challenges in the early weeks after discharge, and that public health nurses are on hand to provide reassurance, practical support and evidence‑based advice. The events form part of a broader HSE campaign that celebrates rising breastfeeding rates—now over 65 % at birth—and the growth of specialist infant‑feeding staff, with 60 dedicated professionals and more than 800 healthcare workers trained through the National Infant Feeding Education Programme.
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