World Breastfeeding Week 2023 is being celebrated by the Rotunda Hospital which is raising awareness of the supports available for the women in its care and has developed a breastfeeding ‘wrap-around’ support service.

The week is focused on promoting and supporting breastfeeding at work. Breastfeeding is possible regardless of workplace, sector, or contract type. Support and education, beginning in the antenatal period can give women the tools to manage possible breastfeeding challenges they may encounter in the early days. This support can enable breastfeeding for six months and up to two years and beyond, as advised by the World Health Organisation.

The Rotunda’s ‘wrap-around’ service was rolled out last year to support women who have been identified as having previous breastfeeding challenges. The service offers support in pregnancy, after delivery on the ward if indicated, and follow-up at home, or in the breastfeeding support group in the hospital.  It involves a one-to-one session with the clinical midwife specialist in lactation at 37 weeks to make an individualised plan in partnership with the woman. Colostrum harvesting is part of this care plan, if safe to do so. 

World Breastfeeding Week is a global initiative. The theme for 2023 is, ‘Enabling breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents.’ 

A key priority for the Rotunda is supporting its own staff who are breastfeeding. There is a dedicated breastfeeding room equipped with a multi-user electric breast pump, fridge and comfortable seating. The hospital subscribes to the recent, ‘Work life balance act 2023.’ This legislation entitles women to breastfeeding breaks for up to two years,  according to Geraldine Gordon, Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation at the Rotunda Hospital.