Ms Deborah Byrne:

On the cost issue and the suggestions as to how perhaps to overcome the barrier to breastfeeding, we mentioned the hospital being a level playing field. That is an area where people of all different backgrounds will be, so if they get the support from the get-go, it is to be hoped the 63% of mothers who do initiate breastfeeding will be converted to continuing to breastfeed beyond hospital discharge.

We focus a lot on the low rates of breastfeeding, but it is also about enabling those who have decided to give it a go and helping them continue with it. Basically, the more we see breastfeeding in society, the more people will do it. I have friends and family who work within the maternity services and I did not know that extended breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian, cervical and breast cancers. Therefore, there is work to do on the promotional and educational piece.

I believe Ms Cahill mentioned having a free international board certified lactation, IBCL, consultant visit as part of the public health service. The public nurse does these checks, but if that proposal could be incorporated, it would also enable people of different backgrounds and incomes to address issues at an early stage.