Breastfeeding Kerry - Anna O' Donoghue, Lactation Consultant

03/04/2026

Suppprt is so important to a breastfeeding family , and often a text or phonecall will work magic.

🌟 moms are doing the hard work - we as health professionals are just the support .

🌟peer support is also so important and beneficial - attending a breastfeeding support group may not be what you think you would enjoy BUT trust me - you will love it .
Check out you local group through your public health nurse or breastfeeding.ie

31/03/2026

What do I need to buy Antenatally if I am planning to breastfeed

🌟very little

🌟 a good ni**le balm such as multimam

🌟 a non wired nursing bra

🌟 I do recommend silverette cups - works so good for sore and damaged ni**les - a perfect baby shower present!!!

🌟 A double breast pump is a great investment if breastfeeding is going well - or of course if you need to increase supply a pump is so useful .
But I recommend you wait until your baby arrives.
Most online shops are next day delivery and many local pharmacies stock pumps.
**les mom

17/03/2026

Attending a class about breastfeeding before your baby arrives will prepare you for what to expect in the first few weeks after your baby arrives

🌟how do I know my baby is getting enough
🌟 how often should I feed my baby
🌟 when can I introduce a bottle ?
🌟 I want to combine feed - when can I and how do I do this

🌟weddings , social occasions and how to manage breastfeeding aswell

18/02/2026

17/02/2026

I am breastfeeding but I want to now combine feed

Is this possible

Will my supply drop

🤱yes it’s possible to combine feed and continue breastfeeding - ideally choose same time each day to breastfeed to protect your supply

✅ It would be better to feed your baby if he/she wakes for a feed overnight as prolactin is highest at night and this is good for supply

✅ Every breastfeed makes a difference and you cannot override the magic of breastmilk by giving a bottle of formula .

✅ be proud of your journey - there are so many reasons why a Mom decides to introduce formula and this is ok

✅ Moms need to be looked after also - fatigue, slow recovery , hormones, work commitments, social commitments at all reasons that decisions are made to introduce a bottle . Yes it is ok

⭐️ well done to all breastfeeding families

12/02/2026

Preparation is key and knowing what to expect in the first few weeks

⭐️ how to manage the challenging days, and have a plan B!

⭐️ small group class allows for plenty of chat and Time for any concerns you may have to be discussed

⭐️ 2nd time Moms often come to my class for a recap- these Moms also bring a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to the class

12/02/2026

Many queries about the chickenpox vaccine - also known as the varicella vaccination .

✅ yes your baby should still receive the vaccine even if he/she was exposed to chickenpox.
They may develop sub optimal natural immunity from chickenpox infection before 12 months of age.

✅ yes the vaccine is very safe, and has been administered for years in USA and other countries

✅ the second dose will be administered when your child is in junior infants.

31/01/2026

Cows millk protein allergy in breastfed babies is very rare .

Symptoms include blood in poos, unsettled, spitting up , slow weight gain, reflux and spitting up . Many symptoms overlap with reflux

Is there a family history of allergies

Skin issues rare in breastfed babies with cows milk protein allergy.

What do I do

‘Total exclusion of dairy and cows milk protein from mom’s diet for 2 weeks

If there is improvement of symptoms then continue - dietician input is advised for mom and ensure taking calcium and vitamin D supplements

If no improvement Mom return to regular diet and seek further support and advice

06/01/2026

Preparation is key and knowing what to expect in the first few weeks?

🌟 how do I get breastfeeding off to a good start, pumping , what type of pump , bedtime and breastfeeding,
How do I get to my friends wedding and still breastfeed

🌟 can I give a bottle and use a soother , can Dad give a bottle at night

🌟 how do I know my baby is getting enough

🌟what happens if I don’t have enough milk

And@many more questions we will chat about at my class

🌟fee can be reimbursed from some private health care insurance plans.

22/12/2025

Christmas can also bring challenging infant feeding days

🎅take one day at a time

🎅limit your visitors and it is ok not to hand your baby around to all visitors. Flu season is peaking and it is safer for everyone .

🎅 Don’t struggle - seek advice and suppprt early. There are many feeding issues that can be solved over the phone .

🎅 Enjoy the family time and don’t forget plenty of photos

www.BreastfeedingKerry.ie

21/12/2025

It’s Christmas and you have a new baby in the house

🎅Avoid skipping feeds, keeping routine will protect your supply and prevent issues such as mastitis and engorgment.

🎅 Any offers of help - cooked dinners - take it and rest as much as you can

🎅 photos -you can never have enough! Cherish every moment

🎅 Eat as you wish - cheeses - chutneys- meat- and all the chocolates - YES it is ok to enjoy . It is very rare that a Moms diet causes issues with your baby’s gut.

🍾 Alcohol is ok - you will read so many different theories and opinions .
One of my most preferred would be - if you have had some alcohol and feel@safe to drive your car - you can feed your baby.
Once you feel safe to hold your baby safely you can feed your baby .

15/12/2025

It’s the season of parties, weddings and events.
How do I manage with breastfeeding

🎄A phone consult lastweek for planned surgery encouraged me to do this post.

🎄Preparation is so@important. Introducing your baby to a bottle a few weeks before the event is important

🎄Choosing the most suitable minder for the day as you want to be relaxed and not worried .

🎄building up a supply is difficult especially in the early days. I recommend mornings to add in extra pump maybe if everything else is going well - weight gain - nappies etc.
But this may not suit everybody - a chat with your Public health nurse, practice nurse or Lactation Consultant if you any doubts

🎄most importantly don’t miss an occasion - bring your baby with you if it’s Easier and less challenging