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24 Sept 2025
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24 Sept 2025
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Saoirse Anton and Lify Wyllt with their baby Bríd at the launch of National Breastfeeding Week at the National Museum of Ireland, Country Life. Pic: Alison Laredo
Parents and families of Mayo are being encouraged to take part in National Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from October 1 to October 7. This year’s national theme is titled “Hold Me Close - The Power of Skin-to-Skin Contact.”
Skin-to-skin contact in the early moments and days after birth supports babies in every way - from regulating temperature and breathing to building emotional security and establishing breastfeeding.
New national data shows that 89 percent of babies in Ireland are now receiving skin-to-skin contact after birth, Mayo maternity and community services are playing a key role in this national success story, with local breastfeeding rates also on the rise from 2023 to 2024.
Annemarie McDermott, Director of Public Health Nursing, Mayo, says there have been many positive developments to support breastfeeding: “In the last 3 years, there have been an additional 24 lactation consultant posts across maternity and community nationally. There has been an expansion of virtual online breastfeeding supports and the ‘Ask the expert’ live chat function on mychild.ie. Upgrading of parent and infant rooms in primary care centres to support breastfeeding. Weekly face-to-face BreastFeeding groups - 11 so far in Mayo.’’
The Public Health Nursing Department in Mayo previously hosted a ‘Latch on’ at Turlough House on Sunday, September 21.
Claire Larkin, a community lactation consultant for Mayo, says that Mayo is one of the first counties in Ireland to launch this celebratory week: “We had public health nurses, lactation consultants, and the breastfeeding voluntary group– ‘Friends of breastfeeding Mayo Buddy’s’ on hand to offer support. Many thanks also to Mayo CYPSC and South West Mayo Development Company for helping fund this family day for our Mayo mums, dads, grandmothers aunts, and children who had gathered here. You are amazing. By breastfeeding in public, you are helping other parents to do the same.”
As part of National Breastfeeding Week, families in Mayo are encouraged to explore the many supports available. Mayo families can share their stories or find up-to-date events and supports by following @HSEmychild on social media and using #HoldMeClose and #NBW2025.
READ NEXT: North Mayo family businesses recognised as finalists in the 2025 Family Business Awards
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