Dillon: Breastfeeding mothers must have access to services to support them
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said the Department of Health and Public Health Agency need to ensure breastfeeding mothers are supported.
The Mid Ulster MLA was commenting after reports of a mother who paid for breastfeeding support.
She said: “Breastfeeding mothers must have access to services to support them to breastfeed their babies.
“The island of Ireland has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, so there is a clear need to promote the many significant health and social benefits from breastfeeding that exist for a mother and her child and to implement the support services required.
“Research by the Public Health Agency (PHA) shows that even though half of all new mums in the North opt for breastfeeding, many quickly stop because they feel there is a lack of support, especially when feeding babies outside the home.
“As a society, we must break the stigma surrounding breastfeeding, and highlight it for what it is natural and healthy."