Working Life: Many queries arrive in the small hours, when parents are awake and worried

Amanda Glynn, lactation consultant at HSE’s online Ask Our Breastfeeding Expert. Picture: Eamon Ward

“Though I spent my childhood in Mayo, life has taken me to many places: Galway, West Cork, and finally to my home in Co Clare. With so much moving, I didn’t always have the comfort of a support network when navigating the early weeks of motherhood.

“For two years, I made a monthly three-hour round trip to attend a La Leche League breastfeeding support group with my second baby. Experiencing the power of encouragement and solidarity from other mothers, I knew it was something I wanted to dedicate my career to. I subsequently qualified as an international board-certified lactation consultant.

“New parents face an overwhelming amount of information from multiple sources. While much of it is helpful, the sheer volume makes it difficult to know what’s trustworthy. That’s why timely, trusted guidance and advice matters.

“Through the HSE’s online Ask Our Breastfeeding Expert, our team of lactation consultants responds not only to parents, but also grandparents, public health nurses, GPs and other healthcare staff. Queries differ, but all share the same need: clear, practical information they can trust.

Amanda Glynn, lactation consultant at HSE’s online Ask Our Breastfeeding Expert. Picture: Eamon Ward

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is when parents return to us. Some come back when they have a second or third baby. It’s incredibly special to build a rapport and to know families value the service.

“Many queries arrive in the small hours, when parents are awake and worried. Knowing their question will be responded to quickly brings enormous reassurance.

“Newborn babies are ‘carry mammals’: They need constant, close, physical contact with their mother for survival. It helps regulate baby’s heart rate, respiration, and body temperature and also decreases crying episodes, helps mother and baby to bond and facilitates breastfeeding. Mothers are relieved to learn that the more they respond to baby’s need for closeness, the more independent they become as an adult.

“Our service is here to assist mothers at every stage of breastfeeding. We encourage mothers to access the wonderful, face-to-face support available from their public health nurse, community-based lactation consultant and voluntary breastfeeding support groups.

• HSE National Breastfeeding Week runs from October 1 – 7. The HSE’s Online Breastfeeding Support service is available through Ask Our Breastfeeding Expert at mychild.ie. Service users can reach a lactation consultant for free, confidential advice, 24/7.