Humphreys calls for more supports for breastfeeding mothers

Speaking as the HSE launches National Breastfeeding Week, Labour Senator Kevin Humphreys has called for more supports for women who breastfeed.

Senator Humphreys, who raised the issue in the Seanad today, commented:

“While I welcome the launch of National Breastfeeding Week, it is worth noting that the HSE actually withdrew funding for the Baby-Friendly Health Initiative two years ago, in a move that was criticised by Unicef.

“There are still not enough resources for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, and there is still no breastmilk bank in the Republic of Ireland.

“With a possible no-deal Brexit around the corner, I’m concerned about a possible shortage of breastmilk for newborns in the south as a result.

“We also need to ensure that all maternity hospitals have lactation consultants to ensure that breastfeeding mothers have all the supports they need.”