National Breastfeeding Week 4th – 8th October 2021

It is widely accepted that breastmilk is the preferred source of nutrition for the majority of babies. We in Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) know that many breastfeeding journeys are not easy, particularly when faced with a sick baby who requires hospitalisation. When a baby is sick and unable to feed at the breast, expressed breast milk (EBM) is recommended, both from a nutrition and medicinal point of view – “every drop counts.” Nourishing a sick baby via breastfeeding or EBM, at a time of huge stress is challenging and highly commendable.

During National Breastfeeding Week, we celebrate our wonderful parents who provide breastmilk for their babies. We also celebrate our fantastic staff who support parents and their families in providing breastmilk for their babies.

This year, we marked National Breastfeeding Week with the following activities:

– Showcasing our newest breastfeeding champions of 2021. Their stories are displayed on the wards and corridors of our hospital sites. A big thanks to all the families who shared their inspirational stories with us.

– Dr Anne Doolan (Neonatologist, IBCLC) presented an online workshop to staff on ‘Supporting Breastfeeding as Healthcare Professionals.’

– In CHI at Crumlin, an information stand and quiz for families and staff was organised and by our multidisciplinary team of nurses, dietitians and speech and language therapists.

Special thanks to the breastfeeding committee, dietetic department, breastfeeding champions and our other breastfeeding advocates for all their hard work year round, and for organising our National Breastfeeding Week celebrations in 2021.