Irish mothers are being encouraged to continue breastfeeding for at least two years after birth, under a new Department of Health policy.
The policy change in breastfeeding guidelines brings Irish policy into line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation's Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding.
The Department is now encouraging mothers to use breast milk only for the first six months and use appropriate solids after that in combination with breast milk.
"We all need to be consistent and unequivocal in our support of breastfeeding as it offers a critical window of opportunity to provide the best short and long-term health for babies and their mothers," the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, said in a statement
