Bid to boost breastfeeding

Greater support is needed for mothers in order to increase the rates of breastfeeding, a Government report said today.

The Strategic Action Plan for Ireland recommends education on breastfeeding for schoolchildren, regulation of the market for milk substitutes, regional breastfeeding co-ordinators and flexible working conditions for breastfeeding mothers.

Under the scheme, the Government hopes to see a sustained increase of 2% each year in the rate of breastfeeding.

The five-year plan by the Department of Health and Children was launched today at the start of an awareness campaign – Breastfeeding, It’s Perfectly Natural - which is being supported by Corrs drummer Caroline Corr.

Minister for Health Mary Harney said in addition to health benefits, an increase in breastfeeding rates could have long-term savings for health.

“Children who are not breastfed have a higher incidence and severity of illnesses such as diarrhoea, respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, diabetes, asthma, eczema and many other chronic diseases.

“Children who are breastfed show better health outcomes into the future, with research indicating that they have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and lower incidence of infections through childhood and into adulthood.

“In addition, breastfeeding reduces costs for employee absenteeism as parents of children not breastfed are three times more likely to need time off to care for ill children,” the Tánaiste said.

The Strategic Action Plan, which was being launched in Dublin today by Minister of State Sean Power, aims to improve the nation’s health by ensuring that breastfeeding is the norm for infants and young children.