We are consistently told that ‘breast is best’, but for many new mums, learning to breastfeed can be a difficult and emotional experience.

 

This week, experts have called for more support to be given to breastfeeding mums, after new research uncovered some concerning findings.

 

According to a survey carried out by AIMS Ireland (Association for Improvements in Maternity Services), almost 25% of mothers reported receiving a ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ level of support while breastfeeding.

 

In a rather alarming finding, only 16% of respondents described their standard of breastfeeding support as ‘excellent’.

 

Commenting on the findings this week, AIMS chairperson Krysia Lynch said: “When women are discharged from hospital or domiciliary care they need to be supported in breastfeeding in the wider community. None of this can happen if women do not receive adequate support at the start.”

 

Referring to a previous study claiming that babies who are breastfed in the first 24-48 hours are more likely to be still breastfeeding at six months, Ms Lynch described early support as “vital” in the effort to boost breastfeeding rates.

 

Particular areas that mums raised concern over in the survey were the lack of specialised lactation support over the weekends, as well as the staff’s apparent enthusiasm to switch a mother to artificial milk.

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