Supports for mothers beginning breastfeeding and for those who wish to continue on their return to work and beyond are being highlighted by the HSE in Cavan and Monaghan. The two counties have already won two national breastfeeding awards this year for the region (breastfeeding support group of the year for Virginia and Lactation Consultant of the year – Mairead McCahill) along with three national breastfeeding nominations in roles that recognise allied health professional support, breastfeeding Mum of the year and breastfeeding advocate of the year.
Mairead McCahill is the HSE's Lactation Consultant for Cavan and Monaghan. Speaking to Northern Sound, Mairead highlighted the 'We're Breastfeeding Friendly" initiative which is currently in place in Monaghan. This campaign helps to improve the health and well-being of breastfeeding mothers, babies, and their families by encouraging businesses, organisations and communities to become 'Breastfeeding Friendly'. Mairead has encouraged mothers to sign up for this new initiative by emailing Ciara at [email protected]
Mairead continued; "This year was an especially special year for the Virginia Breastfeeding Group when it won the Friends of Breastfeeding national award for Breastfeeding Group of the Year 2023. The theme of National Breastfeeding Week this year was 'Making our communities and workplaces more breastfeeding friendly' and these groups help to normalise breastfeeding whilst supporting mothers through peer support and providing the 'village network' that is missing for some mothers as they are embarking on their mothering and breastfeeding journey.
"The national, 'We're Breastfeeding Friendly' Monaghan Initiative was also launched during National Breastfeeding Week. This campaign helps to improve the health and well-being of breastfeeding mothers, babies, and their families by encouraging businesses, organizations and communities to become ‘Breastfeeding Friendly."
