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Who should I go to for help?

Our intention here is to explain what experience and qualifications each of the support options have directly related to breastfeeding. As with any other service, when looking for breastfeeding help you want to know that the person you turn to is knowledgeable on the topic, is working from evidence-based research and knows what they are talking about! While having peer-support is important, there are lots of myths out there about breastfeeding, so if in doubt it is best to check with someone who has studied breastfeeding extensively such as a lactation consultant, La Leche League Leader or Cuidiu Breastfeeding Counsellor.

Click here for a full list of Support Contacts 

Click here for a full list of Support Groups

 

La Leche League

 

Website: www.lalecheleagueireland.com

 

La Leche League is a voluntary organisation, which provides information and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies. La Leche League Leaders have breastfed their babies exclusively for six months and have continued for a minimum of one year. They are volunteer mothers who have enjoyed nursing their own babies and who see the importance of helping other mothers develop a happy nursing relationship.

Each leader applicant completes a rigorous accreditation process under the guidance of La Leche League International and a leader mentor. A La Leche League Leader is required to complete an extensive reading programme to familiarise herself with all aspects of the breastfeeding relationship and to develop her listening skills. La Leche League leaders are also qualified to provide information and support for women in special circumstances (disabled mothers, tongue-tie, babies with a cleft of the soft palate, premature babies, multiple births, Down's Syndrome babies). Leaders are trained to treat mothers of all circumstances with respect and empathy and withholding all judgement. Leaders are regularly provided with a supply of up-to-date information and support, including journals and contact with other experienced Leaders through enriching workshops and conferences throughout the year.

They organise the monthly meetings and are available at any time to speak with a mother in person or on the telephone.

 

Lactation Consultants

 

Email:     alci@ireland.com

Website: www.alcireland.ie

 

Association of Lactation Consultants of Ireland is an association of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in Ireland. Their aim is to promote the professional development, advancement and recognition of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants for the benefit of breastfeeding infants and children, mothers, families and the wider community.

Membership is also open to other health care workers and voluntary breastfeeding counselors. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants come from a variety of backgrounds e.g. educators, dieticians, midwives, public health nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, social workers and skilled advocates. They work in hospitals and private practice. They are part of the health-care team who provide education, consultation, and make referrals to other health care workers. They also collaborate with other health care workers and voluntary breastfeeding support groups in protecting and supporting breastfeeding in Ireland.

 

HSE Breastfeeding support Network

 

Phone:    1850 241850

Website: www.breastfeeding.ie

 

 

Midwives and Public Health Nurses do a 20 hour Breastfeeding Course at undergraduate level and for those already in their post they do this course or a shorter refresher course as part of in-service training. When the HSE run the 20 hour courses they offer places to GPs and other health professional groups.

The HSE breastfeeding support groups are mostly run by Public Health Nurses. The groups are worthwhile from the point of view of meeting breastfeeding mothers in your area and getting basic advice and support. It is extremely beneficial from a social point of view.

 

Cuidiu – Irish Childbirth Trust         Website: www.cuidiu-ict.ie

For a list of Cuidiu Breastfeeding Counsellors go to:
http://www.cuidiu-ict.ie/fulcrum.html?ep=34

 

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice. If you require any further information on any of the groups listed please contact them directly.