An additional €0.9 million for breastfeeding supports for 2025 was announced by Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drug Strategy Minister Colm Burke.
The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have said encouraging more mothers to breastfeed is a priority for them.
National health policy, including the Healthy Ireland Framework, the National Maternity Strategy, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, and the National Cancer Strategy, emphasises the importance of supporting mothers who breastfeed, as well as taking action to increase breastfeeding rates in Ireland.
The additional €0.9 million in funding will facilitate the recruitment of an additional five lactation consultants in areas where breastfeeding rates are lower than average or in disadvantaged groups.
These areas with lower rates of breastfeeding will be identified from the HSE Breastfeeding Strategy Plan desktop review that was published during National Breastfeeding week in October 2024.
Breast pumps
€340,000 of this funding will be used to provide breast pumps for mothers of critically ill and pre-term infants.
This will enable mothers to provide breastmilk for their babies while they are in hospital for extended periods and when they are discharged home.
"I'm delighted to announce this funding which will support the ongoing efforts to boost Ireland's breastfeeding rates, leading to long-term health benefits," Minister Burke said.
“As well as being a bonding experience for mother and baby, importantly, breastfeeding offers babies excellent protection from infection and promotes healthy growth and development.
“We know that even small amounts of breastmilk, particularly in the first few days, is beneficial and helps to boost babies’ immune systems. It can also help post-partum recovery.”
Breastfeeding policy
Minister Burke has also approved the establishment of a steering group to research and design a new “whole of Government” breastfeeding policy.
Policy development will be informed by a new infant feeding survey that was allocated funding in 2025.
Data will be gathered on infant feeding from birth to one year which can inform how supports for new mothers feeding their infants throughout the first year can be provided.
A woman breastfeeding her baby. Image: Alamy Stock Photo
