Breastfeeding & Chemotherapy: Baby’s Survival Story
Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, focusing on breastfeeding and related topics:
Key Themes & Information:
* Breastfeeding & Immunity: The article highlights the powerful connection between breastfeeding and immunity, especially in challenging circumstances. A mother continued breastfeeding through her own chemotherapy treatment, believing it provided vital immunity to her baby.
* Rising breastfeeding Rates in Ireland: Breastfeeding initiation rates are increasing in Ireland. 65% of babies started breastfeeding in hospital in 2024, and 43.5% are still breastfeeding at three months. There’s been a 27% improvement in exclusive breastfeeding at three months over the last decade.
* national Breastfeeding Week: The theme for 2024 is “Hold me close: The power of skin-to-skin contact.”
* Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact: This is considered the “gold standard” immediately after birth, nonetheless of feeding method. It benefits both mother and baby, aiding recovery, regulating vital signs, promoting bonding, and increasing oxytocin production. 89% of mothers and babies currently have the chance for this.
* Challenges with Premature Birth: Mothers of premature babies often face challenges with low breastmilk supply as their bodies haven’t fully prepared for lactation.
* Importance of Early Lactation Support: Early and frequent breastmilk expression is crucial for mothers of premature babies to establish and maintain a sufficient milk supply.The Coombe Hospital’s specialist lactation support has resulted in 92% of infants born before 32 weeks gestation receiving breastmilk.
* Personal Story - Faye Dowling: Faye experienced an emergency C-section at 27 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. She was separated from her baby, Finn, for 24 hours after birth, which was emotionally arduous. Her story underscores the vulnerability of premature infants and the importance of support.
* Expert Insight - Lisa Conboy: Lisa Conboy, a clinical midwife specialist in lactation at the Coombe Hospital, emphasizes the need for early support and milk expression for mothers of premature babies.
In essence, the article champions breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact as vital for both maternal and infant health, while acknowledging the challenges some mothers face, particularly those with premature babies, and the importance of specialized support.