Ms Deborah Byrne:

I thank the Deputy. Cuidiú might also respond because it sees mothers after the hospital experience. When we launched in February, we received an onslaught of messages and we continue to do so. They are very lengthy messages and some are based on multiple births dating back years. What has come across very strongly is a feeling of grief and trauma. There is new research going into breastfeeding grief, which can last for many years. Part of it is the feeling that choice was taken away. Mothers might have decided to breastfeed but because of not receiving the support they needed they felt abandoned and vulnerable. They feel isolated, particularly at present. People very much look to the experts for guidance when at a vulnerable stage. They might be after operations and after labour. They are physically recovering. They may have sleep deprivation. New mothers are presented with a little infant and they have to figure out how to care for it. It is very overwhelming. To feel abandoned and to ask for help and not receive it is a very painful experience, particularly if someone has really hoped to breastfeed and then have the choice taken away. These are some of the feelings we have heard.