The number of babies breastfed is rising in Ireland.
HSE figures show there was a 5 per cent increase between 2019 and 2021.
National Breastfeeding Week is starting today and the health authority's encouraging parents to take up free expert help.
HSE National Breastfeeding Coordinator Laura McHugh says supports are available for mothers:
"Midwives and public health nurses provide antenatal education to help mothers learn the skill of breastfeeding in the early days. And should you need it, all maternity services now have specialist lactation supports to help mothers who have breastfeeding challenges to overcome them".
