Joyce Fegan: Breastfeeding a clash between solidarity and shame

Alice O’Dwyer from Trim breastfeeds her 4-day-old son, Malick, at the Sabina Higgins-hosted ‘Latching On’ event at Áras an Uachtaráin as part of National Breastfeeding Week. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

When I was pregnant, the resolve to "be healthier" strengthened. Increasing the water consumption and not letting seven hours pass between meals were top of the list — endeavours I'd historically failed at over the years. I remember reading an article in a free magazine by this wellness guy slash mindset coach. It was nothing to do with pregnancy, but how, if you're trying to make a new habit stick, you need to set your surrounding environment up for success.

I bought two metal water bottles and always had a stray banana or a packet of nuts in my car. The guy's advice actually worked.