Breastfeeding Kerry - Anna O' Donoghue, Lactation Consultant

16/08/2026

Attending a class will empower you about infant feeding .

01/08/2026

Support is key

💛 21 years ago my journey started and it had plenty speedbumps on the way -

💙 what made me keep going ??

✅support firstly family and my best friends@who were both feeding Deirdre Teahan and Ruth O'Donovan who is now supporting moms in New Zealand

✅ attending a breastfeeding group every Monday

✅ knowledge- knowing breastmilk is best for my baby

✅ a holisitic GP and friend- I blessed now and then with my colleagues .

✅ I did combine feed after 6 weeks due to weight issues and supply but I was still breastfeeding.

✅ PHNs, support groups, GP practises and Lactation consultants are there for advice and support
Ruth O'Donovan HSE South West

29/07/2026

Measles outbreaks in Europe is ongoing

💛MMR vaccine is available free of charge from your GP practice- and is advised for any babies travelling abroad from 6 months of age

💙It is very safe to administer when breastfeeding 🤱

💛 Your baby will still require another MMR vaccine at 12 months .

💙 Ideally administer vaccination 2 weeks prior to travel

25/07/2026

15 years supporting Moms, babies and families and still loving my work.

💛 becoming a Lactation Consultant is challenging and takes a lot of hours of webinars, conferences and practical work.

💚 we re register every 5 years , requiring 75 hours of continuous professional development and practical hours aswell as up to date basic life support.

💛 everyday is a learning day , and it’s so rewarding when mom and baby are doing well

💚 our role is mainly support and advice - it you moms and dads and extended family and of course your baby that’s doing the hard work.

💛 sometimes we don’t succeed in a successful breastfeeding journey but when we find the cause it makes the journey easier .

💚 why I started my role was because I had a VERY CHALLENGING first breastfeeding experience and would not have succeeded only for support of professionals, friends and a breastfeeding support group ..

💛Key words - one day at a time
Seek help early if needed
Every feed makes a difference
Don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work
If a challenging day - don’t give up
Take a break and start again

18/07/2026

Breastfeeding has so many benefits - A new study has shown that each month of exclusive breastfeeding is associated with lower ADHD symptoms.

Further studies are required to determine exactly why but human milk contains macronutrients, vitamins, pre@and probiotics which all influence offspring brain development .

Breastmilk is the only source of tryptophan- this influences the gut microbiota,the gut brain signaling and potentially also neuro development

Another reason to give breastfeeding a go and remember take one day at a time

15/07/2026

Low milk supply and why does this happen

💚. Possibly one of the most common reasons I support families -and it is not always the mom’s fault .

💚 Babies sometimes may not be efficient feeders and then milk supply is not established

💚 Anatomy can be an issue- insufficient glandular tissue will contribute to low supply as the breast has not the glandular tissue to make milk

💛 hormones play a massive part - anxiety , stress, exhaustion

💚 anatomy of your baby - tongue tie, suck problems will effect milk supply

💚seeking help and support is key to success- your PHN, lactation consultant and GP are there to support and assist

30/06/2026

I asked a Mom yesterday what was the most beneficial information she picked up when attending a breastfeeding preparation class

💛 knowing what to expect and what can be normal is half the battle

💚 so many journeys go great with no challenges , but with social media we often hear negatives before positives

💛 take one day at a time and remember every feed makes a difference

17/06/2026

My baby is sleeping through the night

🌟 Will my supply drop ??

🌟 yes it will BUT this is ok . Your supply may increase during day as your baby may feed more during the day now . Your baby decides how much milk your breast will make .

🌟 keep eye on pees and poos

🌟 and enjoy your nights sleep

07/06/2026

03/06/2026

I am getting my hair done
How much milk should I leave for my Baby in a bottle ?

🌟 breastfed babies eat different to bottle fed - it’s tapas all day for breastfed - little and often

🌟 for MLS for bottle fed babies up to 3 months of age - approx 150mls/KG over 24 hours - usually bottle fed babies would be on 6 feeds a day .

🌟this will give you a rough idea, but I would recommend small amounts in 2 bottles v 1 large.

🌟 if you express before leaving this milk can be left out for up to 4 hours ( unless heatwave weather!!!)

🌟 ideally it’s best do a trial run with a bottle as some babies can be fussy with a bottle!

🌟 to help avoid bottle aversion it’s good idea to introduce your baby to a bottle of expressed milk after 3 weeks once breastfeeding is well established - not everyday but every so often

🌟 and most important enjoy your break - 💇‍♀️💅🏻