laleche

Conference 2024

prlllireland@gmail.com (Lynn Carroll) — Thu, 09 May 2024 17:04:11 GMT

Conference 2024

The recordings from our Conference 2024 are now available to listen to!

Click here to access them.

La Leche League of Ireland welcomes recommendations from the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative Report

prlllireland@gmail.com (Lynn Carroll) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:39:34 GMT

Press Release

La Leche League of Ireland welcomes recommendations from the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative Assessment Report

La Leche League of Ireland welcomes the launch of the Assessment Report for Ireland for the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi). This report gives a snapshot of Ireland’s status regarding a set of pre-defined indicators in relation to policies and programmes related to infant and young child feeding. This will provide a benchmark for future assessments to measure progress on actions'.

La Leche League is delighted to have been involved in the consultation and compilation of this Report. The findings indicate that Ireland’s good performance on some policy and programme indicators is not translating into positive scores for indicators relating to infant feeding practices.

“This is a vitally important piece of work, which can be used to track how we are doing, both nationally and internationally, as a society, in supporting those who choose to breastfeed.” Glenda Raftery Muhametaj, National Co-Coordinator of Leaders for La Leche League of Ireland.

La Leche League of Ireland welcomes the 10 key recommendations in this report, in particular the recommendation to fully implement the World Health Organisation Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes and its subsequent World Health Assembly Resolutions in legislation, and the recommendation that healthcare professionals encourage those pregnant to attend a local breastfeeding support group before their baby is born. It is also encouraging to see a recommendation to improve the standardisation and delivery of breastfeeding-specific training to all health professionals who may encounter breastfeeding mothers or infants/young children in their clinical practice.

“Breastfeeding is a societal issue and alongside the healthcare system, activities to protect, promote and support breastfeeding must also include the education system, the creation of supportive environments, and the dissemination of positive portrayals of

breastfeeding in the media.” (World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) Ireland 2023)

La Leche League of Ireland calls on the government to implement the recommendations of this Report in full, so that all of those who choose to breastfeed are supported by society to do so.

- ENDS-

Link to full report is here

Rachel's Story

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 09:30:00 GMT

I didn't expect to be feeding a toddler

I would like to thank La Leche League for the support I’ve received since beginning to breastfeed my son. Never in a million years would I have expected to still be feeding my milk to my toddler at 2 and a half. It’s been an incredible journey and one where I’ve had very little trouble but a lot of successes along the way.

The first few weeks were hard, probably harder than I ever admitted mostly due to exhaustion but they passed. A few quick pains when the feed would start in those weeks became a distant memory. Nipple balm was used there more than I ever have used something on my lips. I was keen to be successful which we have been. And the incredible faces & babies from meetings with La Leche League every few weeks were amazing. Hearing & seeing others have the same complaints and happiness's made it special & gave me a better understanding of what my journey was for. I have also gained an incredible friend who I see regularly that I would have never met if not for these meetings.

It hasn’t all been easy and again I didn’t complain much but reached out in the La Leche League WhatsApp group to ask lots of questions. Someone had been through the same or had words of advice. I’ve had my share of blocked ducts and painful feeds but throughout have persevered and fed each and every day. I’ve been lucky to never have had mastitis. The haakaa became my friend during tough times and a lot of my son feeding as much as he could.

It’s not easy every day but every day adds up to an incredible feat for both mother & son. It’s not something everyone can give their baby and that’s ok too, sometimes breastfeeding just doesn’t work. I would like to wish others well on their journey, those starting out, somewhere in the middle or nearing the end and encourage you to reach out on the tough days because the support of women who get it will help you through.

I remember looking at my app where I recorded feeding around the 10 months mark I was still feeding about 12-16 times a day. Life was busy but I also would go out and feed as and when needed no matter where I was. I followed the rule of feed on demand from the beginning. It was one of the earliest tips from an La Leche League online meeting when I was still pregnant.

My son and I have enjoyed the majority of this journey. Bottles of expressed milk never really worked even though we tried from time to time but I was ok with that. We stopped feeds during the night at 16 months, we reduced the feed by a minute or two each night over a number of months until it because none. The gradual reduction meant no heartache for either of us. We continued during the day & eventually fed on a more regular timeframe to breastfeed 3 times, morning, late afternoon & bedtime when I returned to work. The late afternoon feed continued for quite awhile as it was the first thing he’d ask for after crèche. At age 20 months I began to slowly reduce the morning feed and eventually 7 months later dropped that to leave us with our continuing evening feed going to bed. My son has his own name for my milk which is really sweet. He and I continue to enjoy our time at night when we sit down together.

Thank you again La Leche League for your continued support.

Fiona's Story

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:30:00 GMT

Having a network to turn to definitely makes it easier

Here I am, 16 months into my roller coaster of a breastfeeding journey and going strong! I never thought I would get this far, but am loving every minute.

Myself and my baby had a bumpy start with him coming at 35 weeks and my milk taking a little time to come in, so with the help of lactation consultants at the hospital I began with a breastfeeding, pumping and formula top up regime. It was a little bit daunting as I wasn't sure I was doing things right and there were so many voices to listen to but I got some great advice from my local La Leche League and Cuidiu groups and as the days went by my confidence grew and I needed the top ups less and less. It only took about 2 weeks before I got rid of them altogether.

I have found breastfeeding liberating, for the first 6 months you have everything your baby needs within you and even when they are weaning you can comfort them and enjoy feeding when out and about! I've had the bites, the mastitis, the negative comments but nothing outweighs the joy of feeding and the connection I feel to my baby.

Flash forward 14 months and it was time to go back to work! I was worried about how this would work given I had never left my baby with anyone and he was still feeding multiple times a day. It was fantastic when the new legislation came in weeks before I started and guaranteed time to pump at work. Although at 14 months I didn't have to pump, I have been pumping twice a day and sending milk to creche with him. It gives me comfort when I have to leave him and he loves it during the day.

Pumping at work is weird - we have a wellness room that I use and is comfortable but I have found myself pumping with other people present when I cant get it to myself. I think you need to feel pretty confident to keep it up but I am sharing my journey with others in work to try and encourage a community and to offer support to anyone who needs it. Hopefully by sharing we can create a more positive view of breastfeeding for those who are thinking about trying but not sure. Having a network to turn to definitely makes it easier.

Regan's Story

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:30:00 GMT

Breastfeeding my twins

Jemma's Story

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 09:30:00 GMT

From triple feeding to exclusive breastfeeding

Caroline's Story

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 09:30:00 GMT

Finding my intergenerational support system

Fionn arrived 8 days ahead of schedule, eager to get on with the business of living. Oblivious to his plans, I had a swim and went to bed. 5 hours later I delivered my son.

‘Is he a good sleeper?’ people would enquire good-naturedly. He was. It was waking that presented a challenge, apparently spent from the gargantuan effort of separating his little 6lb body from mine.

Take one overly punctual sleepy small baby, add a touch of jaundice, a first time mother, a society that has lost much of its intergenerational wisdom of breastfeeding and mix thoroughly. The result provides an excellent basis for breastfeeding difficulties. Armed with little more than the knowledge that breast is best, Fionn and I began our journey into the unknown.

Being a natural process, breastfeeding would, hopefully , come somewhat naturally. This fallacy served to heighten my bewilderment at the difficulties that would ensue. A lactation consultant suggested I pump to preserve my supply while Fionn and I learned the acquired skill that is breastfeeding. Thus began the so called triple feeding; a regimen of breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding expressed milk and sterilizing the equipment before starting the process again. Every 3 hours. The process itself often took over 2.

Before Fionn was born I blithely commented that I would breastfeed if possible and if not he could have a bottle. I was not prepared for the intense instinctual drive to feed him directly from the body which delivered him. I enlisted the help of midwives, public and private lactation consultants, public health nurses, friends and a doula. Some were wonderfully supportive. Others less so. More still were eager to assist but lacked the knowledge and skills to do so. Several weeks and a few hundred fraught attempts at feeding later, I finally stumbled upon knowledge, skills and support in abundance at my local La Leche League Group.

In its members, I found the intergenerational support system which until then had eluded me. The leaders and members, themselves ordinary yet extraordinary women who had breastfed their own children, made themselves available for lengthy supportive chats at undoubtedly inopportune times and hands on guidance with latch and positioning. All free of charge. The extent of their knowledge of all issues breastfeeding related was unsurpassed by all the other professionals I had encountered.

When Fionn turned seven weeks old we finally ditched the pump. That’s when the fun began. At 4 months we breastfed all the way to South Africa with not so much as a single stand-by bottle packed. Now at 8 months we are happily breastfeeding our way to Áras an Uachtaráin for national breastfeeding week. Thank you to La Leche League for bringing the fun to me and Fionn…for helping me to feed my beautiful son x

Deborah's Story

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Getting help when my baby was older

Neasa's Story

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:30:00 GMT

My little superstar

My name is Neasa. My little girl was born unexpectedly at 32 weeks. Thankfully, due to the amazing staff in the Rotunda I have the opportunity to start and continue my breastfeeding journey despite this. Emma was transferred to the NICU within minutes of being born, and I was asked what my feeding choice was.
I was helped to get the colostrum while in recovery, and this was brought to Emma to help her in the first vital few hours. I was encouraged and supported while Emma was in the NICU to express, by hand for the first few days before introducing the pump, so that she could receive my milk. As she was so small and her lungs were not yet developed she was unable to feed at the breast in the first few weeks.

When she was strong enough, I was able to have a lot of tummy time and skin to skin during feeding time once she came out of the incubator. It really helped with my milk production and I was able to express at the bedside when she was not strong enough to be out with me in my arms, or when Dad wanted a hold of the tubes while she was feeding.

As Emma got stronger, I was able to try introduce the breast. This was a long slow journey as we needed to be sure of her exact intake and so initially bottles were essential. Emma needed to take all of her feeds via bottle before discharge with the breast as top up/comfort only and at this point, I was not successful at getting Emma to feed for any great length at the breast. She really struggled with the latch, as it was so different to a bottle and there was risk of confusion. We were really concerned about weight gain I needed to fortify her milk, so bottles were essential at this stage.

Up until this point, I was expressing every three hours, add the guilt I had if I overslept by even an hour was unreal. I was travelling in and out of the Rotunda every day for five weeks, worrying if I got stuck in traffic and if I was late with the next express. Now it seems so silly. If only I knew then what I knew now and could see how well Emma is doing.

Despite my struggles, getting Emma to latch while in the Rotunda, I continued to try at home. Through LLL I was introduced to the wonderful world of nipple shields, and these were the makings of my continued breastfeeding journey. Emma was on three hourly bottle feeds (EBM), and I offered the breast at each feed. I was also expressing every three hours also. This part of my journey was exhausting, and trying at times, I continued to link with LLL via their WattsApp group - Blanchardstown/Castleknock initially just to vent about how tired I was. However, I learned that I was not alone, and this made me feel like I was not alone and I was doing a great job for my little girl. I have learned so much through this group and wouldn’t be without their continued support. The words of encouragement from all the mums and LLL leaders really have guided me on my journey especially at 3 am when the rest of the world seems to be asleep. The encouragement and praise I received was such a boost when it got hard.

When we got home from hospital, I was able to gradually reduce the number of bottles she was receiving and feed more at the breast which ultimately reduced the amount of time expressing. Despite my perseverance and Emma, trying so hard, she found it too difficult to get a good latch without nipple shields. Her milk transfer with them was great and she was continuing to gradually gain weight. I was able to stop the fortifier which meant no need for any more bottles, and Emma decided she was happy to feed at the breast full-time .

And just like that, 11 months in, Emma continues to successfully feed at the breast. A far cry from a fully bottle-fed baby at five weeks. She is my little superstar

Katie's Story

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 09:30:00 GMT

Returning to work with a bottle-refusing 5 month old baby

Annual Report 2022

prlllireland@gmail.com (Lynn Carroll) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:06:29 GMT

Annual Report 2022

Click here to view this information in a downloadable pdf.

Health Professional Seminar October 2023

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:48:45 GMT

Come and join us from 3-6pm on Sunday 1st October for a free zoom webinar!

We are delighted to be able to have two amazing speakers with us to celebrate the beginning of National Breastfeeding Week.

Dr. Robyn Powell - 'How To Improve The Care We Give Breastfeeding Patients and Colleagues In The Hospital Setting: And Why We Must Begin Now'
Gráinne Evans - 'Breastfeeding Your Child With Extra Needs: Challenges and Solutions'

We have been awarded 3 L-CERPs for this workshop from IBLCE®, CERPs Registry number: 323049K
Recording will be available for all registered participants for 1 month

Dr Robyn Powell

Dr Robyn Powell has given a number of national and international talks on the subjects of breastfeeding, culture change, paediatric emergency medicine, allyship and feminism. Her neurodivergence and lived experience drive Robyn’s strong sense of social justice and fairness and have made her a powerful advocate for others.

In 2017 Robyn founded Breastfeeding For Doctors (BFD) with the aim of changing the culture of breastfeeding within the medical profession in order to change the world. The BFD vision was rooted firmly in developing solid branding and promoting a consistent evidence base to become a credible voice for breastfeeding doctors and their patients. Over 5 years on, the organisation is thriving with more than 7000 members, an operational team of almost 50 doctors, and has significant culture change and national advocacy under its belt.

As well as leading BFD, Dr Robyn Powell practices as a full time Emergency Medicine Consultant in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in North Wales with compassion and enthusiasm. It is Robyn’s strong belief that everything is about people and communicating with them, and that nothing matters more.

Dr Robyn Powell lives in the North West of England with her husband, three children and cats. Born Robyn Duggan, she hails from Kinsale in Co Cork and this is where her true heart remains.

Gráinne Evans

Gráinne Evans is a full time mum of 4 with over 11 years personal breastfeeding experience. She has been involved with La Leche League since 2011 and has been an accredited leader for 5 years and runs breastfeeding support groups in her hometown of Maghera in South Derry.

Through sharing her experience breastfeeding her third baby, who has a tracheostomy, she has become a passionate advocate for the improvement of breastfeeding support for babies born with extra needs and the rights of every baby to receive breastmilk.

In her work online she created and runs the only online support group for people with her daughter's rare condition where she supports families all over the world and assisted Doctors in Boston in connecting with enough participants to complete the genetic research that led to its full classification in 2017.

She is also passionate about birth and babywearing and writes breastfeeding poetry in her spare time.

La Leche League of Ireland has been accepted by International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) as a CERP Provider for the listed Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) programme. Determination of CERPs eligibility or CERPs Provider status does not imply IBLCE®’s endorsement or assessment of education quality. INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF LACTATION CONSULTANT EXAMINERS®, IBLCE®, INTERNATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANT®, and Last Revised January 28, 2022 2 IBCLC® are registered marks of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Back to work and Breastfeeding - my story

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 07:30:00 GMT

Going back to work and breastfeeding

The first time I returned to work, I didn't really think about it. It had been a challenging journey and I hadn't known about the support that La Leche League offered at the time. It's all a bit of a blur, to be honest, but I remember that very quickly we were down to a morning feed and a bedtime feed, which we continued until my little one was 11.5 months and lost interest. There were no breastfeeding breaks to be had and nowhere to pump, so it was just a case of getting on with it.

Second time around, my breastfeeding journey was very different. It was not without challenges, but this time I had discovered La Leche League and their support had helped me to overcome the challenges, which meant I was still breastfeeding successfully and on demand when my little one was past her first birthday.

When she was starting crèche I worried about quite a few things: a dairy intolerance meant that cow's milk was not an option for us at the time; she only napped if she was in the buggy or the car (movement seemed to help her nod off) or she would feed to sleep; she did not do bottles - milk from source only(!); and she wasn't keen on solid food. I reached out at La Leche League meetings and was given reassurance and guidance from the leaders and other mums, which helped me to prepare myself mentally and physically for the transition. Once she settled in to crèche, all of the worries faded: she ate solid food - all of it, every meal; she drank water from a cup throughout the day; and she slept in her own bed at nap time for up to 2 hours - that still doesn't happen at home!! When we were together, she continued to feed on demand.

I was fortunate to have access to breastfeeding breaks at work. I requested late starts so that I could feed her in the morning, which was when she wanted milk the most. I had late starts 4 days a week and on the remaining day I finished early. I was worried about how my body would cope going from demand feeding to not feeding for 6+ hours during the day and back to demand feeding. Initially, I pumped for a few minutes for comfort at lunchtime, but my body adjusted quickly and very soon I was getting no milk when I pumped so I knew my body had got with the routine. It even adapted easily after a weekend of demand feeding! Crèche were great and let me sit on their comfy sofa inside the door to feed her in the mornings at drop off. In the evenings I would pick her up and do a quick feed in the car (fewer distractions!) before heading home.

I wasn't sure how our breastfeeding journey would be when I returned to work or if we would be able to continue in the long term. But here we are - back at work and still feeding! Things will be more challenging once the breastfeeding breaks come to an end but I'm sure we'll find our way, with support from my La Leche League village if needed.

If I were to give advice to anyone making the transition back to work, I would say that taking each day as it comes and getting support if you need it is definitely a good way to go about things. Arming yourself with knowledge about breastfeeding breaks and helping your body to cope with the change is also important. Finally, it helps to have a village of breastfeeding support to get you through any challenges you may face along the way, and there is plenty of support to be had with La Leche League - the Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy meetings are particularly helpful if nursing an older baby or toddler. I wish anyone making the return to work the very best of luck. Just remember - you got this!

Caoimhe, Dublin

La Leche League of Ireland on Kfm Friday 28th July 2023

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 10:04:40 GMT

La Leche League on Kfm

Wendy English, one of our Leaders in Kildare, was a guest on Kildare Focus on Kfm, to speak about new research published by researchers at TU Dublin, which has highlighted deficiencies in breastfeeding support in the Irish healthcare system. Listen to her piece here - she is on at 20minutes in.

Click here to listen

https://www.kfmradio.com/on-air/podcasts/kildare-focus/episode/friday-28-07-231/

La Leche League: Empowering Mothers

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 11:03:07 GMT

Dr. Gabrielle Colleran shares her experience on Spirit Radio, of her breastfeeding journey and how La Leche League helped her to achieve her breastfeeding goals.

https://www.spiritradio.ie/?powerpress_pinw=37515-podcastsfeed

UCD Survey on mothers experiences with La Leche League support

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:03:07 GMT

UCD Survey on mothers experiences with La Leche League support.

We have been very lucky to have been given the opportunity to work with a graduate entry medical student from UCD , to do a research project on the benefits of LLL groups for all who avail of them.

She has designed these surveys with the help of her supervisor Consultant Child Psychiatrist Professor Elizabeth Barrett, UCD, her Co-Supervisor Mary Bird, LLL Ireland, with input from and with the permission of La Leche League of Ireland area council.

This survey will give us an insight into why you come to us, how you find your experience with us and how we can improve the experience of those who use our services. This type of feedback is invaluable to us as and it is also a wonderful opportunity for you to express how you feel about LLL support in total anonymity. It should not take more than 10 minutes to complete.

Please see the link to the survey below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LLLMotherSurvey

We appreciate that your time and energy are limited and so we would be extremely grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete this survey.

We hope that the results of this research will help us in La Leche League of Ireland to improve the services which we provide to mothers, future mothers and families. It will help further generate awareness and education around the importance of breastfeeding, the challenges which may arise, and the support available in the community.

La Leche League of Ireland Weekly Zoom Meetings

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:03:07 GMT

La Leche League of Ireland held our first Zoom meeting in March 2020 one week after the county went into lockdown and we have continued to hold meetings every week since, on Thursday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm. We soon discovered that there was a massive need for these meetings as a lot of mothers who had their babies during the pandemic were not able to see anyone. Hospitals were too busy trying to cope with the pandemic and they were holding no classes at all during this time so parents were

feeling very isolated and they had no one to answer their questions.

As the world opened up again and our in person groups began to start running, we continued to provide our weekly Zoom all Ireland meeting, while some groups continued to run online meetings themselves. This means mothers and parents normally have a choice each week of online meetings, and can choose the day and time that suits them best. If they pop a message onto the contact number/email listed for that meeting, they will receive the link to join from the meeting organiser. Mothers don’t need to go to a meeting from their area - they can attend any one they like, which is one of the benefits of our online groups.

At the meetings people can ask questions directly to the Leaders, and mothers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences with the others on the Zoom, quite like how a La Leche League meeting is run in person. We encourage participants to “take what you need and leave the rest behind” .

Our weekly Zoom schedule is published every Sunday for the week ahead, on our Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also access the details on the calendar on our website: www.lalecheleagueireland.com

What happens at a La Leche League meeting?

Sun, 14 May 2023 13:04:22 GMT

La Leche League (LLL) Leaders are volunteer breastfeeding counselors who have nursed their own babies, and provide breastfeeding support in their communities. Leaders may offer support by phone, text, email and social media. Leaders may lead a local group and hold meetings. Expect a warm welcome, acceptance and non-judgmental support when you contact LLL Leaders or participate in LLL groups. We offer information and encouragement to everyone who needs it.

Who comes to LLL meetings?
La Leche League meetings welcome anyone who is pregnant, nursing, hand expressing, exclusively pumping, combination feeding, providing their own milk or donor milk for a child, or trying to do so. We also welcome those who are interested in the information we offer.

You might see someone expressing milk or using a bottle at an LLL meeting, you might see toddlers being breastfed – all are welcome.
La Leche League is all about nurturing. We support anyone who nurses or provides human milk in having wonderfully close, satisfying relationships with their babies.

Babies and children are welcome at LLL meetings.

I’m using a bottle or formula– can I come to a meeting?
Please don’t feel awkward about feeding your baby from a bottle or other means during an LLL meeting, or asking questions about it! We understand better than anyone else the challenges of breastfeeding, and the work involved in expressing milk. We would love to meet you and your baby.

If you need to express milk at a meeting that’s fine, and if you need a quiet space to do this please ask.

Do I have to pay to come to a meeting?
All LLL support is free. We never charge for meetings or for any of the support we offer.
We do welcome donations, and you are also welcome to become a subscriber to La Leche League of Ireland.

Do I have to let you know I’m coming?
You don’t have to register or let us know you’re coming. At LLL meetings we are used to people arriving after the start and leaving early – this is absolutely fine – we’d love to see you for however long you can manage. It’s a good idea to confirm meeting date, time and location a few days ahead of time by checking with your local group or by looking at our meeting calendar on our website.

What about refreshments?
Some groups have refreshments at meetings and some don’t. When they do, Leaders will often provide drinks, and any snack contributions to be shared will be gratefully received.

What happens at LLL meetings?
Meetings are led by an accredited LLL Leader (breastfeeding counselor). Everything you say and hear at an LLL meeting is confidential. Burning questions are always given priority. Support will be given to anyone experiencing pain while breastfeeding, or having difficulties with positioning, latch/attachment etc. Please never leave an LLL meeting with unanswered questions!

LLL meetings are all about mother to mother/parent to parent support, sharing experiences and getting support.
Many groups run what we call a ‘Series Meeting’ – they are based around themes such as breastfeeding in the early days, sleep, taking care of yourself, getting enough support etc.

There may be an activity, or discussion – feel free to join in, or if you prefer, you can sit back and listen. Attendees often describe their own experiences, and offer support to each other. You will be able to ask questions.
Some groups hold less formal coffee morning-style meetings where there’s no structured discussion.
At LLL, your baby’s needs come first – please feel free to do whatever you need to in order to take care of your baby. We are very used to babies crying and toddlers needing to roam around. You may hear a whole range of ideas and experiences on breastfeeding. There is no right way to look after your baby, and definitely not a preferred ‘LLL way’ to breastfeed or parent your child – we believe that you are the expert of your own child!

We often say you can treat LLL meetings like a buffet – please take what works for you and leave the rest behind.

La Leche League of Ireland - Annual Conference 2023

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:53:15 GMT

Annual Conference 2023 back in Wexford!

La Leche League of Ireland were delighted to be back in Clayton Whites Hotel Wexford for our first in person Conference in 3 years. Held over 3 days from the 3rd-5th March 2023, the conference had something for everyone.

Our Keynote speaker this year was Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk, with an address entitled " The connected baby: Understanding infant brain development changes our view of humanity " . Dr. Zeedyk is a research scientist fascinated by babies’ innate capacity to communicate. Since 1993, she has been based at the University of Dundee, Scotland, within the School of Psychology, where she now holds an honorary post. In 2011, she stepped away from full time academic work in order to set up her own independent training enterprise to disseminate what she calls the Science of Connection.

We were also delighted to have Laoise Ní Chléirigh with us, whose talk "Breastfeeding on a fragile planet. How we are helping..." was a big hit on the Saturday evening. Laoise is a mum of two, who breastfed both of her children into early childhood. Laoise is an assistant professor of education at university level and works in the area of science education and education for environmental sustainable development. She is an author of 21 books for children and teens in the Irish language. She attends the La Leche League Dodder Valley Group. Recognising the countless advantages to embracing the biological norm, she is also intrinsically drawn to learning more about the positive environmental impacts of breastfeeding.

We had plenty of other talks and workshops, along with all of our La Leche League conference favourites - our Bookstall, our playgroup for the younger kids, and also entertainment on Friday evening for all the family.

Our Conference sessions were recorded and you can listen back to them by clicking on the titles below.

Opening Address

Laid back breastfeeding - what's happening in Ireland?

Book club - Heather Rice, Jenna Healy, Shelly Jaffares

Optimising your birth experience - Nuria Tasies

Parenting strategies beyond the breast - Shirley Manning, Celine Kenny

The connected baby - understanding infant brain development changes our view of humanity , Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk

Breastfeeding your child with extra needs - challenges & solutions, Grainne Evans

Breastfeeding on a fragile planet - how are we helping? Laoise Ní Chléirigh

Helping children recover from the pandemic - Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk

Baby sleep development - Szandi Kalmár

Panel discussion - when your partner breastfeeds, Sandy Connolly, Stephen Comerford, Emer Mulvaney