Breastfeeding drastically cuts down on health problems for both children and their mothers, a conference heard today
Babies who are breastfed are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure, obesity and cholesterol problems in later life. Breastfeeding can also significantly reduce health costs for families and public health care systems.
"A baby is five times less likely to require hospitalisation if he or she is breastfed," said Ms Maureen Fallon, the Irish National Breastfeeding Co-ordinator. Ms Fallon was speaking at the launch of a Blueprint for Action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding across Europe at Dublin Castle today.
Around 40 per cent of babies in Ireland are breastfed and the action plan is hoping to raise this level through promotion and training.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, said "the diet we are fed in early life is probably one of the most important health interventions we can control. I am particularly interested in the positive correlation between breastfeeding and the reduction in the later incidence of overweight and obesity in older children and young adults."
The Minister also awarded the first World Health Organisation and Unicef Baby Friendly Hospital awards in Ireland. The two hospitals to receive the award are the Regional Hospital in Waterford and Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.
The Blueprint for Actionproject is the result of 18 months' work in 28 countries. It contains a model which outlines the actions a national plan should have, including training, protection and support for breastfeeding.
Additional reporting: PA.