SABINA HIGGINS IS to host a ‘Latching On’ morning as part of National Breastfeeding Week.

The event, which is supported by the HSE and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, will see mothers and their children being welcomed into the Áras on Monday.

Latest statistics from the HSE show how just 57% of mothers are breastfeeding their children after they are discharged from hospital.

Higgins, who is an actor and wife of the President , hosted a similar event last year.

Experts in the HSE have described how mothers may experience challenges which often prompt them to stop breastfeeding sooner than they planned.

National Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from 1 to 7 October, is designed to offer support to new mothers.

A new website breastfeeding.ie as well as a HSE Breastfeeding Facebook page were designed to help mothers by featuring instructional videos and tips on how to feed your child.

Rewarding

Minister of State for Health Promotion Marcella Corcoran-Kennedy told of the importance of breastfeeding.

She said: “I breastfed my own children, and I know that there can be challenges in the early days. Having somewhere to go for practical information and support is important for helping all mothers.

“As time went on, I found breastfeeding very rewarding and so convenient.

It is important that we all support breastfeeding as the normal and healthy way to feed babies, whether through giving practical support to mothers or ensuring that mothers are welcome to breastfeed whenever and wherever they and their babies need.

The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that feeding a baby exclusively on breast milk for the first six months, before introducing solids, will have ongoing benefits for its flourishing and for the health of the mother.

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