Having a baby is such an exciting time in our lives, however it also brings about many challenges. This is where Cuidiú’s breastfeeding support is there to help you on your journey.
Breastfeeding is normal and natural and like all other mammals we are designed to feed our babies. Healthy newborn infants are born with a host of natural reflexes and instincts that help them to breastfeed. As with many new adventures in life accurate information and a good support network can help make our journey an easier and more enjoyable one.
CuidiúDSE are here for you, whether your experience is an easy one or throws up more challenges than expected. As part of our branch we have fully qualified voluntary breastfeeding counsellors. These are part of a national network of qualified BFCs that undertake continuous education and development of their skills. Our BFC’s offer telephone support and host breastfeeding support groups and coffee mornings every alternate Thursday. Whether it’s for a coffee and a chat or to overcome some hiccups along the way, you can enjoy the company of other mothers with the support of a BFC in attendance.
We love to see and warmly welcome pregnant Mums to our groups and coffee mornings. It’s a great way to see breastfeeding a baby first hand and to meet other mothers before your own baby arrives. It’s also great to have a network of support ready for any help or reassurance you may need. So if you are pregnant and are going to breastfeed it’s the perfect time to attend and a qualified BFC will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Who can go to Cuidiú breastfeeding support groups?
▪ Mums-to-be who have an interest in breastfeeding and/or are planning to breastfeed.
▪ Mothers who are breastfeeding exclusively, supplementing, combination feeding, pumping exclusively or pumping partially.
▪ Mothers who have queries or concerns.
▪ Mothers who are considering weaning or are no longer breastfeeding.
▪ Mums who would like a cuppa, biccies and a chat – all are welcome.
Basically, every mum is welcome no matter at what stage of breastfeeding you are. The fully trained breastfeeding counsellors will give encouragement and answer any questions you may have. There is a small suggested donation of €3 to attend the Cuidiú DSE support groups. Please do not worry if you are not in a position to make this donation or you arrive without cash – everyone is welcome. In addition our breastfeeding counsellors can be contacted at any time (details below).
Breastfeeding Counsellors Telephone Support
Cuidiú Breastfeeding Counsellors are here to support you on your breastfeeding journey, to meet your breastfeeding goals.
We are mothers who are trained, through HSE-funded courses, to provide evidence-based, up to date information and support on any questions or concerns you might have. We have breastfeeding counsellors available to speak to on the phone and in person. Support is available free to all mothers, there is no need to be a member of Cuidiú. We are available 7 days a week. Yes, that includes evenings and weekends!
We have regular breastfeeding support meetings on the first, third and fifth Thursday of every month, as above.
Support is provided on a voluntary basis so don’t worry if you don’t get through first time. Try texting to arrange a time to call or call the next person on the list if there is no answer first time. You can call any of us, regardless of our proximity to where you live. We look forward to hearing from you!
Breastfeeding Counsellor Contacts
- Sandy 086 043 8642
- Clare 086 858 5899
- Lea 087 205 0617
- Stella 086 381 5497
- Zita 087 979 3671
- Aga 085 133 6896
- Roisin 087 666 8069
- Mary 087 069 2193
Hospital standard Breast Pump available to hire. For details please contact Cita Crefeld at 086 8565787.
Breastfeeding Workshops
CuidiuDSE offers Breastfeeding Workshops quarterly. These are presented by qualified IBCLC and Cuidiu BFC Liz McGovern. The topics covered vary from Early Days of breastfeeding to Return to Work. The workshop facilitates Q&A.
Web links and Resources
- HSE www.breastfeeding.ie
- KellyMom “At KellyMom.com, our goal is to provide support & evidence-based information on
breastfeeding, sleep and parenting.” - Breastfeeding Inc Jack Newman MD, FRCPC & Edith Kernerman IBCLC “Our aim is to empower parents by ensuring they receive the most up-to-date information to assist them with their breastfeeding baby. We strive to provide them this information through breastfeeding resources which include, but are not limited to, free information sheets, video clips, and articles. Some resources, such as books, protocols and videos can also be purchased through the website.”
- Biological Nurturing / Laid Back Breastfeeding Biological Nurturing is new breastfeeding approach that refers to a range of semi-reclined maternal breastfeeding postures and innate feeding behaviours.
- Jay Gordon MD, FAAP “Intensely interested in infant nutrition and breastfeeding, Dr. Gordon is the first male physician to sit for and pass the International Board of Lactation Certification
- Exam and has served on the Professional Advisory Board of La Leche League for twenty-four years.”
- Mother – Baby Behavioural Sleep Laboratory “Professor James J. McKenna’s Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory studies how sleeping environments reflect and respond to family needs—in particular how they affect mothers, breastfeeding, and infants’ physiological and psychological well-being and development.”
- ISIS – Infant Sleep Information Source “This website is about normal infant sleep. We use ‘normal’ to mean ‘what is biologically expected for humans’. Our starting point is that sleep is a biological need. We present information about what is biologically normal for human babies. We also discuss how this may vary due to different cultural behaviours and expectations such as what babies are fed, where they sleep, and how societies interpret their needs.” Breastfeeding after Breast and Nipple Surgeries “This website was created in 1998 by two mothers who have had breast reduction surgery themselves, Diana West, IBCLC, and Carol Maranta. The site is an outgrowth of the BFAR email lists that operated from 1996-2005 and the BFAR Book that was published in 2001. Diana is an international board-certified lactation consultant and maintains the main website and its content. Carol maintains the very active forum community, which replaced the email lists in 2005.”