Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding
A comprehensive community breastfeeding programme is underway across Tallaght to encourage women and families to consider breastfeeding and to highlight the many benefits to the infant and the mother’s physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
The programme is being led by the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) as part of its Antenatal to Three Initiative (ATTI). It is supported by Public Health Nurses, the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, Early Years Services, the Local Arts Centre (Civic Theatre) and parents and a local secondary school.
The health benefits of breastfeeding are widely accepted. It reduces the risk of babies getting colds, infections and disease and it strengthens mother and baby bonding. Conversely, figures released earlier this year showed a stark difference in rates across Dublin, with initial breastfeeding uptake rates reported at 84% in Dublin South East, 81% in Dublin South City, but lowest at 48% in Dublin South West, which incorporates the Tallaght area.
However, the ATTI Breastfeeding Working Group is planning to change this!
As part of this Tallaght breastfeeding initiative, community settings and organisations throughout Tallaght will display a “Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding” sticker. All breastfeeding mums and their infants can be assured that they are very welcome to breastfeed in these organisations and feel comfortable in doing so.
The ‘Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding’ project is offering public information events across the community
“We would really value opportunities to speak in secondary schools to young people who have not even thought about becoming parents, and for teachers to champion this programme. If their mothers have not breastfed, then young women are unlikely to be encouraged at home so we need to talk directly to them.
We are also seeking opportunities to speak to partners, grandparents and the wider community.”
Public Health Nurses and Midwives are available to present on the benefits of breastfeeding in schools, to active retirement groups, sports clubs, women’s groups, youth groups and men’s sheds etc. There is no charge and arrangements can be made by contacting CDI.
Research has shown that Breastfeeding is low in Ireland overall and lowest in lower socio-economic areas. In communities where breastfeeding is less common, important lessons and skills are not passed on from mother to daughter.
“Breastfeeding plays an important role in supporting child health and development and in protecting children from disease. Ireland faces significant population health challenges (obesity, chronic disease) and must focus on laying the foundations for health in a child’s earliest years.”
For further information please contact Emma at CDI at 01 494 0300 / www.twcdi.ie