'My baby started chemo at two weeks old — breastfeeding was a lifesaver'

Two mums describe how breastfeeding played a critical role in nourishing and soothing their babies during hospital treatment

Ciara Leahy says breastfeeding helped baby Abbey through eye cancer treatment. Picture: John D Kelly

EXACTLY one year ago, mum-of-one Ciara Leahy was in hospital learning to breastfeed her newborn.

“It was so hard,” says Leahy, who didn’t know then what a difficult journey little Abbey had ahead of her — and how breastfeeding would be a lifesaver for her, and a much-needed comfort for both mum and daughter.