Irish breastfeeding rates 'depressingly low', says expert
THE RATE of breastfeeding mothers is dubbed ‘depressingly low’, as figures emerge which rank Ireland much lower than other western countries.
The HSE estimated that 59% of Irish mothers were breastfeeding in 2021, compared to that of 80% in America.
In light of World Breastfeeding Week 2023, new mothers are being urged to consider the health benefits of breastfeeding their newborns: “It’s the perfect nutrition,” says Professor Louise Kenny.
“So, every breastfeed is specific for that baby at that time and it’s readily available, always served at the right temperature, and it’s free.
“In terms of babies’ health, we know that breastfed babies have a lower risk of infections and they’re less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs - they also grow up into adults that have a lower risk of obesity and Type 1 diabetes.”
Expanding her advice to that of the mother’s health, Prof Kenny, who spoke with a national radio station, also noted health benefits for the person who is breastfeeding. She said that those individuals also have a “lower risk of breast cancer, obesity and diabetes”.
Prof Kenny considers the low rates of breastfeeding to be a cultural thing: “We certainly don’t make it easy for young Mums who wish to breastfeed.
“We’ve got low rates of breastfeeding that go back a couple of generations now and it’s quite difficult if you’re a young mum to do something [different].
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” she concluded.