Ireland is following in the footsteps of countries like Norway and Australia, with a new policy allowing mums to breastfeed in both the Dáil and the Seanad.
The policy has been welcomed with open arms by female politicians, including Catherine Martin of the Green Party, who received a letter about the change last week.
She expressed her joy in an interview with The Independent, “I’m delighted that this has been discussed and agreed. It should always have been that way. We’re now showing that the leadership that needs to be shown.”
This is a big step for Ireland which has the lowest rate of breastfeeding out of all European countries.
The letter read, “I have to inform you that it is permissible for a mother to breastfeed an infant in the chamber while the Dáil is in session. The Ceann Comhairle has no objection to a mother using the robing room for that purpose during the morning.”
According to The Irish Times, only 50 percent of Irish mums breastfeed their kids, with a mere one in 40 sharing that they breastfeed.
Many mums in Ireland stated that breastfeeding was inconvenient and annoying. They added that the lack of support put them off breastfeeding
It is important to remember that you’re seeing to your baby’s needs when breastfeeding, there is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
We understand that breastfeeding in public can be difficult for numerous reasons, but these tips and tricks will make it a lot easier, especially for new mums. Click here for advice on how you can breastfeed in public.
