Despite having numerous benefits for both baby and mother, breastfeeding rates in Ireland remain among the lowest internationally. Could Ireland's production of formula milk be to blame for the reduction in popularity of breastfeeding?
While the debate over breastfeeding in public rages on, another issue has emerged - that of the low levels of breastfeeding in Ireland in the first instance and the root of the problem.
According to the World Health Organisation, breastfeeding reduces instances of postnatal depression and breast and ovarian cancer in women. It also benefits the baby, boosting its immune system and reducing the likelihood of childhood obesity and diabetes.
According to Nicola O' Byrne lactation expert and creator of www.breastfeedingsupport.ie, our national production of formula milk coupled with governmental inaction has damaged the numbers of breastfeeding women in Ireland.
"Ireland also produces one fifth of the world's formula. Our economy depends on it - the government pay lip service to breast feeding" O'Byrne claims.
"They have just cut funding for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative programme - this is so important for breastfeeding yet they cut the funding this year", she says.
The programme aims to establish the best maternity practice to encourage women to breastfeed.
According to Bord Bia, one in seven children worldwide consume drinks manufactured in Ireland.
In 2014 they valued the Irish formula industry to be worth over €900 million.
The Chinese market, in particular, is rapidly growing and Bord Bia reported that Europe accounted for 73% of all imported formula in 2015 with Ireland being the second highest contributor behind The Netherlands.
However, according to the Department of Health, they remain dedicated to encouraging breastfeeding and the exportation of Irish formula overseas.
"It is the Department's firm view that breastfeeding is of major importance to the health of both mother and infant and the Department is committed to increasing breastfeeding levels in Ireland," a representative told me.
"Implementation is underway on the HSE National Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2020. The overarching aim of the Action Plan 2016 – 2021 is to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates, by supporting and enabling more mothers to breastfeed", he explained.
The department of health also stated that recent reports relating to cancer, obesity and general health encourage breastfeeding.
"Regarding the production and marketing of infant and follow-on formula in the EU, this is regulated by EU legislation. The legislation recognises the importance of breast feeding by setting specific restrictions on the labelling, presentation and marketing of formulae" he explained.
Regardless of the effectiveness of these measures, much work remains to be done in relation to Ireland's breastfeeding levels.
According to the Health Service Executive, only 46.3% of new mothers are feeding their baby solely by breast milk when leaving the hospital and this number further falls after the first few weeks at home.
