Ireland lags far behind other European countries in terms of breastfeeding, new research has found.
According to a new study carried out by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to coincide with National Breastfeeding Week, around 50 per cent of Irish mothers breastfeed after leaving hospital following giving birth. This compares with rates of up to 99 per cent for women in other European countries.
National Breastfeeding Week, which runs during the first week of October, is aimed at raising awareness of the number of support services available for those who are currently breastfeeding or are interested in doing so.
To support the new campaign, the HSE has produced the Breastfeeding Support Network Card which provides information support services available to new mothers.
The HSE's study found that emotional support from a partner, being shown how to breastfeed in hospital and getting information on where to seek help are regarded as the three most important forms of support for mothers who are newly breastfeeding their babies.
The research also indicates that just over half of mothers who choose to breastfeed do so for at least three months; with over a third breastfeeding until their babies are six months old or older.
In April, the HSE's Breastfeeding Strategy Implementation Committee launched a campaign to increase breastfeeding rates by 2 per cent a year.
The five-year Strategic Action Plan for Breastfeeding includes a number of measures aimed at improving standards and services for expectant and newly breastfeeding mothers.
The strategy aims to provide supports for mothers to breastfeed for longer, as well as improved facilities and flexible working conditions for breastfeeding employees. It will also look at regulating the marketing of breast milk substitutes.
Speaking at the launch of National Breastfeeding Week this morning, Maureen Fallon, national Breastfeeding Co-ordinator said "the HSE research reveals that over 55 per cent of women who choose to breastfeed do not seek further support, either at the hospital or once they go home.
"We hope that resources such as the Breastfeeding Support Network Card will make it easier for new mothers to access the support services and breastfeeding groups around the country, should they need to," added Ms Fallon.
The cards are available in maternity hospitals, HSE health promotion departments and health centres, GP surgeries, pharmacies and retail outlets nationwide.
