South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust highlighted its breastfeeding support services during Breastfeeding Awareness Week with a community event and information about neonatal care.

A coffee morning at the Downe Hospital brought together families with young babies. Midwives and the infant feeding team attended to offer guidance. Parents who joined the event said that support groups, home visits and encouragement from staff helped them throughout their feeding experiences.

Infant feeding lead Ruth Leemon said breastfeeding delivers important health advantages, including optimal nutrition and stronger immune protection for babies. She noted that the Trust is committed to providing evidence-based care so that families can achieve their personal feeding goals.

At the Ulster Hospital, neonatal infant feeding lead Cathy Flinn emphasised that mother's own milk is especially beneficial for premature or unwell infants. She explained that new mothers are advised to begin expressing within two hours of birth, even if the baby cannot yet feed by mouth. This early start helps establish milk supply and ensures the baby receives protective components from the start.

Flinn added that the neonatal service offers ongoing support once families return home. Parents are contacted within the first week to address any concerns, and help is provided through phone calls, text messages or face-to-face appointments as needed.

One parent whose baby spent more than 10 weeks in the neonatal unit said that staff support was crucial in helping her maintain breastfeeding through her child's early arrival and later health complications. She described how knowing her baby was receiving the benefits of breastmilk gave her reassurance during a difficult period.

The Downe Hospital gathering also allowed families to meet others at a similar stage. Participants remarked that such events fostered a sense of community and made it easier to establish daily routines with a new baby.