Learning how to feed your baby can take time. Help and support is available in the days, weeks and months after your baby is born.
Types of feeding
You may choose to breastfeed or bottle feed, or you may choose a combination of both.
Types of support available
Feeding support is available in the hospital after birth. This can help you and your baby get off to a good start. Your midwife or nurse is there to support and guide you in the early days. They can answer any questions you may have.
Your midwife can help if you had a home birth.
Your midwife
Your midwife can help with:
- skin-to-skin contact
- positioning your baby so they can attach to your breast
- learning how to hand express your breast milk
- using a breast pump
- holding your baby if giving them a bottle
- paced-bottle feeding
All midwives and maternity nurses are trained to help you with breastfeeding. If you have any breastfeeding difficulties, your midwife may refer you to a hospital lactation consultant for specialist support. This may include help with inverted nipples or if your baby has feeding challenges as a result of tongue tie.
There is equipment such as breast pumps and sterilisers in your maternity unit or hospital to help support you. Ask your midwife or nurse for help with these, if you need it.
If you took part in the domino scheme or early transfer home service, a midwife will visit you at home in the early days after birth.
After that, your public health nurse (PHN) will continue your postnatal care and breastfeeding support.
Domino scheme (care from midwives)
Preparing for breastfeeding while pregnant
Your public health nurse (PHN)
Your public health nurse (PHN) gets your contact details from the hospital. They will call you shortly after you go home to arrange a time to visit and support you and your baby.
If you had a home birth, your midwife will support you for the first 2 weeks after the birth. They then transfer your postnatal care to your PHN.
Your PHN is trained to give breastfeeding advice. They can also give you information on preparing infant formula safely.
Always contact your PHN if you're thinking of changing the type of formula you are giving your baby.
Your doctors
Your baby will have check-ups when they are 2 weeks and 6 weeks old. These check-ups are free under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme.
At 2 weeks, your GP or GP practice nurse will check how your baby is developing. They'll also weigh them. This is a good time to talk about any concerns you may have about your baby and their feeding.
At 6 weeks, you and your baby will both have a check-up with your GP or obstetrician. They'll ask you about your baby's feeding and if you have any concerns about your baby.
They will also ask you how you are doing and feeling. Do not be afraid to talk about how you're feeling and to ask any questions.
Hospital and community lactation consultants
Lactation consultants are experts on breastfeeding. They can give specialist support for certain breastfeeding difficulties.
Your midwife or PHN may refer you to the community lactation consultant in your area.
Breastfeeding expert on live chat or email
Use our breastfeeding expert live chat or email service if you have a breastfeeding question. Lactation consultants will offer you personalised support.
Live chat is available between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
If you contact the service outside of these times, leave your contact details. A lactation consultant will reply within 24 hours.
Breastfeeding support groups
Support groups are a great chance to meet other mothers. They can also be a source of information and help. You can join one before your baby is born. This can make it easier to get support after the birth.
Support groups may meet in person, online or through social media platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp.
Breastfeeding support groups are run by:
- public health nurses
- HSE lactation consultants
- Leaders from La Leche League
- Cuidiú breastfeeding counsellors
- Friends of Breastfeeding
Find breastfeeding support groups near you
What happens at a breastfeeding support group
Family and friends
Looking after a newborn baby is very tiring. You'll need a lot of support in the early days and weeks. Ask your partner, family and friends for practical help, as well as emotional support.
They can help by:
- cooking meals
- food shopping
- doing household chores
- minding older children
Your partner and family members can also support breastfeeding by encouraging you and helping you rest. Support from people close to you can make a big difference in how long you continue to breastfeed.
Private breastfeeding support services
You may chose to contact a private lactation consultant. They can visit you and give you advice. You need to pay for these services.
Find a private lactation consultant - alcireland.ie
Related topics
Common breastfeeding queries and challenges
