Women struggle to access help with breastfeeding despite Government supports
Dr Liz O'Sullivan, lecturer in nutrition at TU Dublin was lead author of the report. Picture: Moya Nolan
A report on breastfeeding trends in Ireland has found considerable work is needed to bridge the gap between official policy and low breastfeeding rates.
A scorecard review of the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) found Ireland is lying 57th out of the 99 countries that took part in the scheme.
Lead author Dr Liz O’Sullivan said while Ireland has strong Government policies supporting breastfeeding, women still struggle to access help.
Ireland scored 9.5 out of 10 on Government policy but only three out of 10 on the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and Ten Steps to Breastfeeding Practical Help.
The report also found supports vary depending on locality.
The sharing of accurate and unbiased information by the HSE and other groups was marked eight out of 10. However, supports for breastfeeding in emergencies (referring to the pandemic) was marked zero.
The report, published on Tuesday, was compiled by academics, healthcare workers, and breastfeeding support groups, led by Dr O’Sullivan, lecturer in nutrition at Technological University Dublin.
“We’ve got our national breastfeeding action plan, but we’ve got some evidence of late that healthcare professionals are just too busy to actually engage with women,” she said.
The WBTi does not include staffing as a direct measurement, but the report notes: “Without sufficient staff to deliver care, investments in staff training and education will likely be ineffective.”
Dr O’ Sullivan said the research would be repeated regularly as per WBTi recommendations.
She would like to see their findings around pandemic pressures feed into planning for future emergencies.
“Covid really highlighted the challenges,” she said. “Climate change is only going to mean more emergencies here.”
The group made 10 recommendations and called on the Government, HSE, and other bodies to support the “substantial changes” needed.
Among the recommendations is to provide longer paid maternity leave and greater availability of breastfeeding preparation classes and support groups whether online or in person.
The WBTi Assessment Report Ireland 2023 can be read on the WBTi website.
