Babs Out For The Babas

atest press release from Cllr Erika Doyle, issued on Monday, March 29th 2021…

Green Party Councillor Erika Doyle is supporting a campaign asking Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to ensure adequate breastfeeding supports are put in place to support new mothers.

Doyle breastfeeding her daughter

The Bainne Beatha campaign has been seeking to have the HSE Action Plan and National Maternity Strategy fully implemented to supply all the appropriate support for breastfeeding mothers.

Cllr Doyle, a breastfeeding advocate, wrote to Minister Donnelly last week asking him to review the situation and this was followed by a petition of support sent to him by the campaign.

Cllr Doyle said, “It’s vital that we address our breastfeeding rates in this country, one of the lowest in Europe. With the proven health benefits for both mum and baby it makes sense to help mums find breastfeeding solutions to breastfeeding problems. Many new mums have told of hiring private consultants to help, and this creates a two-tier system, those that can afford to seek help and continue to feed through difficulties, and those who can’t.

“That’s why the state must be resourced to provide support, so that income does not stand as a barrier to successful feeding.

“Women make their own decisions about how to feed their babies, but they must be supported in their efforts.”