Ms Fiona Rea:

We provide postnatal classes. Antenatal classes would involve a post-natal reunion. The normal groups run by Cuidiú would run act in that way. It is mother-to-mother support at that stage but they would have an antenatal educator or breastfeeding counsellor there so it is quite informal at that point where mothers are discussing issues among themselves and there is somebody there who has that bit more knowledge and training and is able to steer the conversation in the right direction. In that regard, it is happening but it is online at the moment. There is a massive amount of classes available online. It is about getting people to attend them and getting the information out there.

Regarding partners being present at births, the Deputy said he was able to attend the birth of his child and was panicked and worried by the thought of not being able to attend it. It is incredible that partners are still unable to be with their partners during birth because they are not a visitor. They are part of that family that is about to be extended and it is a disgrace that this has not happened even now that the advice is that they can be there. It should have happened as soon as there was mention of it being allowed to happen. Their support is key. They are going home with mum. Their support is huge when it comes to birth and moving forward into their breastfeeding journey. It should be recognised that they are not visitors; they are part of that same birthing team.

Cuidiú tries to bridge those gaps but it is about getting the information out there, getting people to attend and getting the likes of GPs and public health nurses to help mothers find supports in their area. Cuidiú is dotted around the country. Each area has its own little branch or group and there is a Facebook group associated with each branch so we very much encourage mothers who are in the same area to mix because we are building a community. We are helping mothers build the village they need because, as an earlier speaker said, culturally, we are not seeing breastfeeding. We did not see breastfeeding when we were growing up so we need mothers and babies to see it in order for them to take it on as something for themselves.