National Breastfeeding Week is marked each year from 01 to 07 October, it is an opportunity to discuss the importance of breastfeeding as the normal and healthy way to feed babies and young children.
Parents and families across Galway City and County are invited to celebrate the unique connection between baby and parent, with this year’s national theme: “Hold Me Close – The Power of Skin-to-Skin Contact.”
Skin-to-skin contact in the early moments and days after birth supports babies in every way from regulating temperature and breathing to building emotional security and establishing breastfeeding.
New national data shows that 89% of babies in Ireland are now receiving skin-to-skin contact after birth, with 85% continuing to experience this vital bonding time in the days that follow.
Galway Maternity Community Voluntary Breastfeeding services are playing a key role in this national success story, with local breastfeeding rates also on the rise from 2023 to 2024.
Olivia O’Connor, Director of Public Health Nursing Galway, said, “Here in Galway, we’re proud to support families from pregnancy through early parenthood with compassionate, evidence-based feeding support.”
“Skin-to-skin contact is a powerful first step and one that every baby deserves. We’re here to ensure parents feel confident and supported every step of the way.”
Gemma Healy, Lactation Consultant at University Hospital Galway, added, “Skin to skin contact is our first prescription when breastfeeding gets difficult. The power of it to positively impact breastfeeding is often underestimated.”
Families across Galway City and County are warmly invited to mark the week by joining free community events focused on support, celebration, and connection:
Public Health Nursing Breastfeeding Coffee Morning
Connacht Hotel, Galway
Tuesday, 1st October 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
La Leche League Galway Coffee Morning
Clybaun Hotel, Galway
Friday, 3rd October 2025
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
La Leche League has advocated for skin-to-skin care for all babies for over 40 years. Glenda Raftery Muhametaj, LLL Leader, quoted from The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (2024).
“Skin-to-skin contact with your baby is the closest thing to magic we have in getting breastfeeding going. Being together skin-to-skin continues to be a wonderful way to connect with your baby, not just in the first few hours.”
