Coffee morning held to mark National Breastfeeding week

THE people of Arklow and North Wexford marked National Breastfeeding week with a coffee morning held in the Ashdown Park Hotel which aimed to raise awareness and share information about the La Leche League.

Siobhán and Jackie are La Leche League leaders locally, and they explained that through coffee mornings and informal meet ups, that mothers can find out more and develop a happy nursing relationship with their baby.

All La Leche League leaders are volunteer mothers who have enjoyed nursing their own babies and who see the importance of helping other mothers, and Siobhan Ward has a group in Enniscorthy and Arklow.

‘Our groups offer breastfeeding help and information to anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. It is helpful for mothers to come along while pregnant to learn and reassure them to attend after the baby is born. Babies are especially welcome at meetings and we usually discuss topics which include aspects of pregnancy, parenting and breastfeeding.

‘Our coffee morning to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week in Gorey was very well attended by expectant mothers, their babies and toddlers. It was a great opportunity for those who were pregnant or breastfeeding to get a chance to ask questions and to meet others while relaxing and enjoying the company,’ she said.

All leaders like Siobhán have completed an accreditation programme and are familiar with breastfeeding techniques as well as current research.

As well as monthly meetings, they are available at any time to speak with a mother in person or on the telephone.

‘We meet up in Astro Active, Bellefield, Enniscorthy on the first Tuesday of the month and in May Byrne Trust House, Coolgreaney, on the third Tuesday of the month both from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and we have a monthly coffee morning in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey from 10.30 a.m. to 12 p.m.,’ she said.

Contact Siobhan on 087 6374036 or Jackie on 087 238909 for meeting information or any breastfeeding help or advice.