Breastfeeding rates rise to record high - HSE data

More than one in two three-month-old babies are being breastfeed, the highest rate since official records began in 1988, according to the HSE.

HSE data suggests that 52% of three-month-old babies are breastfed while the percentage of babies breastfeed at birth increased to 66% last year.

The number of babies being breastfed at three months has increased by 16% over the past decade, while the number being breastfed at birth increased by 2% from 2019 to 2025.

Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said it is encouraging that figures continue to rise, noting investment in support and services.

"Over the past year, we have listened to mothers and families about the experiences and factors that shape infant feeding decisions, while also consulting healthcare professionals and other stakeholders who support them.

"This feedback will inform the new National Breastfeeding Strategy, which will be published later this year," she said.

Events are being held nationwide as part of the HSE National Breastfeeding Week, to highlight the supports that are available to babies and families.

Public Health Nurse and Lactation Consultant Mary McFeely described it as "a wonderful opportunity" to celebrate mothers, families and the support they receive.

"Breastfeeding can be a very positive experience, but it can also take time, patience, and support to get established. Our message to mothers is that they are not alone.

"There is support available in their communities, and we want mothers to feel confident and comfortable feeding their babies wherever they are," Ms Feely said.

The HSE has said the recruitment of specialist lactation midwives and nurses, expansion of community-based support groups, access to support through post-natal hubs and enhanced training for health care staff has made a difference.

Mother of four boys Jayne Patterson Roulston from Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal told RTÉ News she considered breastfeeding during her final pregnancy.

"I came to about seven months [pregnant] and I said it to my husband one day - I decided from that. I'm not saying it's easy, my public health nurse helped me."

Ms Patterson’s public health nurse recommended the support of a lactation consultant and introduced her to a local support group.

"It really helped me because I knew then I was able to ask more questions. If it's something you want to do, try and ask for help."

Ms Roulston also spoke highly of the support and advice of other mother’s adding "if you worry too much, it takes the joy out of it".

"It doesn't work for everybody and there's nothing wrong with that either, but if you have any thought of trying it, do it," Ms Roulston concluded.