A message from Siobhan
Hourigan, National Breastfeeding Co-ordinator for the HSE to the members of
Friends of Breastfeeding.
Congratulations to Friends of Breastfeeding and all involved
on the success of your many events during National Breastfeeding Week 2011.
I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the number of events
organised throughout the country for National Breastfeeding Week. There is so
much good will out there and so much interest in promoting breastfeeding.
The theme of National Breastfeeding Week this year was
'Breastfeeding Friendly', aiming to portray breastfeeding when out and about as
a normal, natural part of daily life. That was certainly achieved by the
Friends of Breastfeeding events.
To be honest, it felt a bit like 'National Breastfeeding
Fortnight' this year as there was so much activity in the run up to the week!
It was great to get so much media coverage the week before National
Breastfeeding Week and it gave an opportunity to promote the events that were
taking place. How wonderful to see Jolene, Maria and Maryline on television
speaking about their breastfeeding experiences and really promoting acceptance
of breastfeeding young children. We know the longer a woman breastfeeds the
greater the heath protection for her and her child, so this was a really
important message to convey.
The Friends of Breastfeeding Challenges that took place at
locations across the country were a wonderful start to the week. My son and I
really enjoyed the Breastfeeding Challenge in City West. It was a real fun,
family day out. What an achievement that the Challenge events in Dublin and
Cork were recorded as the top 2 sites worldwide, with the highest number of
mothers & babies taking part. Over 350 mothers and babies took part in the
challenge at 6 locations nationwide and Ireland was second only to Canada as
the country with the largest number of participants. Too often we hear in Ireland that we are
bottom of the league as our breastfeeding rates are so low compared to other
countries. It was very encouraging that Ireland could top the league of
Breastfeeding Challenges. It gives great hope for the future, that we can turn
the tide and that breastfeeding can become the norm for babies and young
children in Ireland.
To all of you that took part in the events I hope that you
enjoyed them and took something from it. Please keep the conversations about
breastfeeding going. If you can inspire just one woman to think about
breastfeeding what a difference we can make.
To Friends of Breastfeeding congratulations on all you have
accomplished - all from hard work, dedication and huge voluntary effort. Thank
you so much for the good work you do and the support and encouragement that you
give to Irish families.
Best Wishes for continued success in the future,
Siobhán
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