La Leche League still there to provide support to new mothers

(Above)The leaders of the Mullingar branch of La Leche League, from left, Laura Cullen, Georgina Hickey, Sharon Behan and Lucy Hynes.

Although the COVID-19 crisis has led to the temporary suspension of meetings and home visits, the local branch of La Leche League are still available to provide support to new mothers seeking support and information on how to establish breastfeeding.

“Leaders remain available to mothers by phone and Messenger, with many groups facilitating virtual meetings. Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women can access accurate breastfeeding information and support during this difficult time of social distancing,” Mullingar La Leche League leader and PRO of La Leche League Ireland Sharon Behan says.

“Most often, babies who are being nursed remain healthy even when their parents or other family members fall ill with an infectious illness. There is a growing body of research showing babies benefit from multiple and diverse immunological proteins, including antibodies, provided in human milk, particularly through direct breastfeeding.

“Anyone who becomes infected shortly before giving birth and then begins breastfeeding, and those who become infected while breastfeeding, will produce specific secretory IgA antibodies and many other critical immune factors in their milk. These protect and enhance their infants’ own immune responses. At this time, these immunologic factors will aid their infants’ bodies to respond more effectively to exposure and infection,” Sharon said.

The limited studies on breastfeeding women with COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections have not detected the virus in breast milk.

La Leche League says: “If a mother contracts COVID-19, she is advised to wash her hands before breastfeeding and wear a mask. It is important not to interrupt direct breastfeeding. The baby has already been exposed to the virus by the mother and/or family and will benefit most from continued direct breastfeeding. Disruption of breastfeeding may lead to several issues, most notably an increased risk of the infant becoming ill as a result of the lack of immune support from direct breastfeeding .

“If a mother requires hospitalisation, the baby should be allowed to continue breastfeeding if at all possible. If an interruption of breastfeeding is deemed medically necessary, hand expressing or pumping breastmilk is encouraged.”

The contact details for the Mullingar branch of La Leche League are available at: https://www.lalecheleagueireland.com/groups/mullingar/

La Leche League groups across the county are listed on www.lalecheleagueireland.com.

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