Babygro giveaway to highlight breastfeeding benefits

Over 1,300 babygros will be given out to newborn babies as part of a major campaign launched today to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding.

Sean Power, a Minister of State at the Health Department, said the unusual stunt was part of a campaign to encourage women to choose the healthier option of breastfeeding.

“What we are aiming for is a situation whereby more women choose to breastfeed and it becomes a very normal, natural part of life in Ireland,” Mr Power said.

“Currently the rate of breastfeeding here means that it is not perceived to be the cultural norm, as it is in most other countries worldwide.”

At the launch in Dublin’s National Maternity Hospital of the National Breastfeeding Week, which runs from October 1 to 7, Mr Power said despite the widespread acceptance of the benefits of breastfeeding it was not yet recognised as an integral part of good child rearing in Ireland.

“Incredibly, breastfeeding, particularly in public places, is still something of a curiosity to many, but our message is simple – it’s perfectly natural,” Mr Power said.

All babies born in Ireland during the campaign week will receive a babygro to highlight this year’s campaign theme – ’Breastfeeding, Perfectly Natural’.