West Mayo breastfeeding support group celebrates first birthday

WESTPORT Breastfeeding Support Group celebrated its first birthday ahead of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) with a party for mothers and babies who attend the group.

Claire Larkin, HSE lactation consultant, and Geraldine Barrett, public health nurse and lactation consultant, set up the breastfeeding support group last year. The group meets at the HSE Westport Primary Care Centre every Monday from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Speaking at the birthday party, Claire Larkin said: “Westport breastfeeding group provides support to mums in the community. Geraldine and I are there to give advice when needed. The group also provides a safe and informal space for mothers and babies, as maternity leave for some can be lonely.

“These groups are an opportunity for mums-to-be, new and experienced mums to come together to share advice, experience, socialise, build new friendships in their local area, and it gives mums an opportunity to speak with a breastfeeding expert.”

A new mum attending the Westport group with her baby said: “It’s amazing and brilliant! I have been coming for months. The support is invaluable - tea, chats and practical advice. It is lovely to watch the babies grow together. It’s the reassurance you get that is so great.”

Geraldine Barrett added: “We have speakers in once a month also - dieticians, physios, health promotion officers, dental nurse, first aid, psychologist, reflexology and birth trauma speakers.

“It is a drop-in group every Monday, 11 to 12.30, and we have mums and babies attending from all around Westport, Murrisk, Mulranny, Aughagower, Islandeady, Louisburgh, Newport and Achill.

“Thank you to all our mums and babies for attending the group throughout the year and helping celebrate this first year milestone. Every breastfeed makes a difference.”

Mayo Lactation Service also provides breastfeeding support groups in Mayo weekly in Westport, Charlestown, Claremorris, Ballina and Castlebar. Go to MyChild.ie to find your local group.

Further details of local breastfeeding support groups and the HSE’s ask our breastfeeding expert support service, are available on MyChild.ie, as well as practical advice across a wide range of breastfeeding and other topics.

To join the HSE parenting and breastfeeding community online, follow the HSE mychild.ie Facebook page and hse_mychild on Instagram #hsemychild #breastfeeding