Breastfeeding
HSE article for Breastfeeding
Getting breastfeeding off to a good start
How to know when your newborn baby is hungry and what to do in the early days.
Breastfeeding support search
Information on local breastfeeding support groups and volunteers in every county
Ask our breastfeeding expert
Advice on getting started and local support with specific queries answered by our breastfeeding experts.
Breastfeeding - Reverse pressure softening
Reverse pressure softening is a way to soften the areola (the circle around your nipple). Read how it can help with breastfeeding and expressing.
Breastfeeding - Sore nipples
Nipple pain should not last any longer than one week when breastfeeding. Get advice on the causes of sore nipples when breastfeeding and what can help.
Extended breastfeeding (beyond 1 year)
If you can, continue to breastfeed for up to 2 years and beyond. Read about the benefits of extended breastfeeding for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding - Block feeding
Block feeding is a breastfeeding method to help with leaking breasts. Read about how to get started.
Breastfeeding and fertility
It is possible to get pregnant while you are breastfeeding. Read about fertility when breastfeeding and how to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Engorgement while breastfeeding
What to do when your breasts are too full of milk, hard or painful when breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding - Leaking breasts (oversupply)
How to deal with an oversupply of breast milk and leaking breasts when breastfeeding.
Mastitis while breastfeeding
Find out the causes of mastitis while breastfeeding, if you can still breastfeed with mastitis and how to treat this condition.
Breastfeeding - Common myths
Fact and fiction about breastfeeding, including when to stop, whether it hurts, whether it makes your breasts sag and whether your baby will get enough milk.
How to care for your partner during breastfeeding
Tips to help you look after your partner when she first starts breastfeeding.
Blocked (plugged) duct while breastfeeding
Get advice on how to unblock a blocked duct when breastfeeding.
The importance of breastfeeding
Find out about the importance of breastfeeding for you and your baby, and where you can get advice and support.
Breastfeeding twins or triplets
How to get started breastfeeding twins or multiple babies, and how your milk supply is affected.
Weight gain in breastfed babies
Advice for breastfeeding and what to expect as your baby gains weight and goes through growth spurts.
Breastfeeding and work
How to prepare and plan for breastfeeding at work and your legal entitlements.
Tongue-tie and breastfeeding
How breastfeeding can be affected if your baby’s tongue doesn’t move freely, why this can happen and what you can do about it.
Combination feeding - Breast milk and formula
Get advice and find out what to expect if you decide to feed your baby with both breast milk and formula.
Your first breast milk or 'colostrum'
How and why your ‘first milk’ can benefit your baby, and how your breastmilk changes as your baby grows.
Breastfeeding - Cluster feeding
What to do if your baby is fussy about breastfeeding, if they are feeding for very long periods, and how to get support.
Breastfeeding in public
Get tips for breastfeeding in public, such as where and when to do it, good clothing to wear, and your legal rights to do it.
Expressing breast milk for a premature or ill baby
Why expressing breast milk is important if your baby is too small or sick to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding - Concern about overfeeding
What to expect when breastfeeding, how to tell if your baby is hungry or full, and how to schedule your breastfeeds.
Alcohol and breastfeeding
How alcohol affects your breast milk and steps to take if you want to drink alcohol when breastfeeding.
Concern about your breast milk supply
Get advice for increasing the supply of your breast milk, what to expect as your baby feeds, and what you can do if you’re worried about breastfeeding.
What to eat while breastfeeding
What to eat and how much to eat to make sure your baby gets what they need during breastfeeding.
Expressing breast milk
Advice on expressing by hand or using a breast pump, and how to store breast milk.