My Breastfeeding Experience
Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle or both, that's entirely your choice and should be respected. I chose to breastfeed but it was not something which came easily. Breastfeeding my first baby in the very early stages was incredibly tough. Visions of blissful breastfeeding sessions with my long awaited baby were in reality replaced by pain, tears, sleep deprivation and tennis elbow (yes I actually had this from holding her in the wrong position!) But thanks to a Lactation Consultant, and the tons of support received from midwives, health nurses and breastfeeding support groups, I carried on. I'm so grateful for the support I received in the early days because Breastfeeding became such a bonding, positive and rewarding experience.
Second time around the difference was like night and day. My baby just latched on and fed like a trooper. I remember thinking 'wow she's amazing' but looking back now, I think I just knew what I was doing and what to expect.
New Mums + Breastfeeding
New mums need tons of support, love, kindness, bucket loads of tea and equal parts cake. You need to be told 'you're doing a great job' even when you can't remember the last time you washed your hair and really haven't a clue what you're doing!
Find your support networks in Dublin, get the right advice and learn to love breastfeeding your baby or at least make new friends!
Breastfeeding Support Groups
There's breastfeeding support available throughout Dublin to mums who need a little bit of support, encouragement and advice. Breastfeeding.ie has listed all the groups in North and South Dublin. These groups can be a lifeline for a new mum trying to figure it all out! Find one in your area, make new friends and enjoy breastfeeding your baby.
Breastfeeding Information Ireland
Breastfeeding.ie is an amazing site which aims to provide practical information, advice and support on breastfeeding for all mums. There is a qualified and accredited lactation consultant on hand to answer your queries and give professional information and support. All support groups in your area are listed as well as anything you'll ever need to know about breastfeeding your baby.
Every Breastfeed Makes a Difference
The focus of Friends of Breastfeeding is to foster a positive breastfeeding culture in Ireland and raise awareness about breastfeeding support options. Friends of Breastfeeding provide information about different breastfeeding support options, so that mothers can make an informed decision on whom to ask for breastfeeding support.
Create a Positive Breastfeeding Culture
Breastfeeding Support Ireland
Cuidiu's aim is to provide support and educations for parents and parenthood. Empowering parents through knowledge and mutual support to make informed choices and to progress fulfilled through all stages of parenthood, from pregnancy to raising children to adulthood. Actioned by childbirth education, postnatal support and breastfeeding support.
Irish Childbirth Trust
Midwives and Public Health Nurses undergo 20 hours of breastfeeding education as part of their undergraduate training. When the HSE runs these courses, they also offer places to GP’s and other health professional groups. HSE breastfeeding support groups are mostly run by public health nurses. They offer basic advice and support and are a good way of meeting breastfeeding mothers in your area.
Midwives + Public Health Nurses
If you're struggling with breastfeeding or need support, I cannot recommend hiring a Lactation Consultant enough. It will be the best money you ever spend on your new baby. The purpose of the ALCI is to promote the professional development, advancement and recognition of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) for the benefit of breastfeeding infants and children, mothers, families and the wider community.