Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Support Contact Details

Email: breastfeedingsupport@nmh.ie

Phone: 01 637 3251 between 08:30 & 16:00 Monday to Friday (Please leave a voice message and we will return your call.)

Breastfeeding Classes and Support Groups can be found at the end of this page.


Breastfeeding gives your baby the best possible start in life as it has lots of benefits for both you and your baby that last a lifetime.

The promotion, support and protection of breastfeeding are a priority for children’s health in Ireland. Breastfeeding is the biologically normal feeding method for infants and young children and ensures optimum growth and development. There is considerable evidence to demonstrate the importance of breastfeeding for the health of both mothers and infants. Children who are not breastfed have a higher incidence and severity of many illnesses including respiratory tract and urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis, otitis media, and diabetes (Victora et al. 2016; Ip et al, 2007, AHRQ, 2007), SIDS and childhood cancers (Ip et al, 2007, AHRQ, 2007).

Breastfeeding is also a significant protective factor against obesity in children (Yan et al 2014). The protective role of breastfeeding extends beyond childhood and is important in the prevention of chronic diseases in adulthood including diabetes (Victora, 2016). Being breastfed has been identified as providing a reduced risk of obesity and Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes (Hector et al, 2010). Breastfeeding also reduces a mother’s risk of ovarian and breast cancer and diabetes (Victora et al. 2016). Breast milk is vital in helping to reduce Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and neurodevelopmental impairment (AAP, 2012).
Ref: https://www.breastfeeding.ie/Uploads/breastfeeding-in-a-healthy-ireland.pdf

What to Expect in the First Weeks of Breastfeeding

The midwives in the hospital have a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience that will assist you during the first few days. Please seek advice and help if you need it. Breastfeeding can seem to be challenging in the initial period, but is worth the effort once you and your baby have learnt each other’s ways. The National Maternity Hospital Breastfeeding booklet* is a great source of information and includes details on what to expect when you are breastfeeding (page 5 on) from Day 1 to 7, Days 7- 14 and from Week 4-8.

* please see 'Support Groups' below for updated Breastfeeding class information. 

Latch On Study

The National Maternity Hospital & University College Dublin have now completed this study.

Many thanks to everyone who participated.

 

 

 

Classes, support clinics and information sessions

Antenatal Breastfeeding Class 'Preparing to Breastfeed'

This class is facilitated by lactation consultants and will help start a positive breastfeeding journey. You can choose to attend this class in person or virtually. 

  • In person

Where: Lecture Theatre, 65/66 Mount St (adjacent to Holles St)

When: on the first Friday of every month from 12.30 - 2.30pm 

Booking: To book your place, please email sdoyle@nmh.ie

  • Virtual

Where: Virtual, via Webex

When: on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6.00 - 8.00pm

Booking: To book your place, please email sdoyle@nmh.ie


Breastfeeding Support Clinic for NMH Mothers experiencing breastfeeding dificulties and challenges 

If you are experiencing difficulties or challenges with breastfeeding, you and your baby are welcome to attend our Breastfeeding Support Clinic. The Clinic is facilitated by the Breastfeeding Team.

Where: Antenatal Education Room, 65/66 Mount Street (adjacent to Holles St)

When: every Tuesday and Thursday from 09.30am - 12.00 noon

Booking: To book your appointment, please email sdoyle@nmh.ie


Colostrum Harvesting Information Session

This session aims to help provide you with information and practical support on how to collect colostrum during the antenatal period. It also explains the value of colostrum harvesting.

Where: Boardroom*, The National Maternity Hospital, Holles St

When: every Friday from 9.30am - 10.30am

Booking: No booking is required

Free Colostrum Harvesting Kits are available at this session.

*Except for the following Fridays: 1st March, 10th May, 21st June, 11th October and 22nd November. On those dates, the Information Session on Colostrum Harvesting will be held in the Outpatients Department (OPD)


Cuidiu
La Leche League
Friends of Breastfeeding

Tongue Tie Management

Tongue Tie Referral Pathway for NMH Babies

1. Tongue tie occurs as a normal anatomical variant and does not always restrict tongue function for breastfeeding. If a tongue tie is identified during your baby’s physical examination, your baby’s breastfeeding should be assessed by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in hospital or at the Breastfeeding Specialist Clinic.                                               

Drop in Breastfeeding Specialist Clinic
Every Thursday 9:30-12:00 hrs
2nd floor 65 Mount Street

2. If the IBCLC identifies that your baby’s tongue tie interferes with his or her ability to breastfeed effectively, the IBCLC will arrange an appointment for your baby at the Baby Clinic to be reviewed by a Paediatric Consultant.

3.  If the Paediatric Consultant determines that a tongue tie division (frenotomy) is indicated, you will be referred to a trained public or private practitioner.    

4. Following the tongue tie division, you are advised to revisit the Breastfeeding Specialist Clinic to help your baby optimise his or her breastfeeding technique after the procedure.

Useful Download: Management of Tongue Tie in Early Infancy
Useful Link: Tongue Tie Information from the HSE 
 

Leaflets and resources

Video Clips

Best Beginnings - Illustration of baby attaching at the breast

Ref: Best Beginnings www.bestbeginnings.org.uk

 

Dr. Jack Newman - Really Good Drinking

 

Dr Jack Newman Breastfeeding Video - "Asymmetrical" Latch


Ref: Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC www.ibconline.ca

 

Hand Expression of Breast Milk

Ref: www.breastfeeding.ie

 

Cleaning instructions for Medela pumpsets

Ref: Medela www.medela.com

 

How to use Calypso electronic breastpump

Ref: Ardo Medical www.ardomedical.co.uk