Sir, – I refer to Dr Muiris Houston’s call (HEALTHplus, October 3rd) for a general public health campaign on breastfeeding. In Ireland, so much mis-information about breastfeeding is peddled by both the medical professions and the general public that it’s difficult to know where to start.
One suggestion, however, is to start by changing the message: from the chiding, unspecific “Breast is best”, to the more encouraging “Every breastfeed counts”. Just one breastfeed, given in hospital, has significant health benefits for both mother and baby. Let’s take it from there. – Yours, etc,