THE Tullamore branch of the La Leche League is highlighting the fact that the coming week is National Breastfeeding Week.
A new infant feeding survey commissioned by the HSE reveals that 11.4% of Irish babies are being breastfed at six months, and just 2.4% of babies are being exclusively breastfed at this age. Yet the World Health Organisation and the Department of Hea
lth suggest that exclusive breastfeeding to six months is the ideal.
As part of National Breastfeeding Week this year La Leche League Leaders around the country will be sending folders to their GP’s and Practice Nurses. These folders contain a selection of La Leche League’s information leaflets, and it is hoped that GPs and Practice Nurses will pass the information on to pregnant mothers during routine ante-natal visits.
Along with family friends and health professionals, La Leche League Groups around the country provide mothers with breastfeeding support and information. The bonus is that La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International. They are available to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. Mothers can be sure they are getting accurate and up-to-date information. Doing any job is easier with good support, and doing such a vital job deserves the best support possible. As an organisation, La Leche League has 40 groups around the country and over 100 Leaders. They are available by phone or email whenever you have breastfeeding questions or concerns.
To contact the branch, ring Caroline at (057) 9355061.
