Latching On Reception at Aras an Uachtarain

with Mrs Sabina Higgins on Thursday 9^th October

ALCI Council were privileged to be a part of this very poignant event, as it marks the last time Mrs Higgins hosted what had become an annual event during her time in the Aras. Annually complementing National Breastfeeding Week, Mrs Higgins has opened the doors of the Aras and invited breastfeeding mothers and children, breastfeeding organisations and support groups to this Latching On reception morning. The event raises awareness of low rates of breastfeeding in Ireland and the importance of increasing support to mothers. It also raises awareness of the link between breastfeeding and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, endorsed by almost all world leaders in 2015. Mrs Higgins has always highlighted the importance of breastfeeding nationally and internationally as a vital key towards the achievement of the end goals of ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring security and inclusive prosperity for all the world's citizens. In her address this year, she emphasised the importance of breastfeeding in conflict zones experiencing malnutrition, famine and food insecurity.

Amongst this events speaker was Dr. Almeera Qudeih, breastfeeding team leader and lactation advisor Nasser Hospital Gaza. She spoke about the establishment of Gaza Infant Nutrition Alliance GINA and the challenging but vital role of delivering lactation support in emergency situations to protect as many babies as possible from malnutrition. 

Improvements and updates in Breastfeeding were reported from statutory and voluntary organisations. Speakers included the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services Ireland, Baby Feeding Law Group Ireland, Bainne Beatha, La Leche League, Ciudiu and Friends of Breastfeeding. HSE speakers included Laura McHugh, National Breastfeeding Co-Ordinator, Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery RCIGHG and Director of Midwifery Rotunda Hospital. All thanked and acknowledged Mrs Higgins for her longstanding commitment to champion breastfeeding in Ireland by hosting this annual event in the Aras.

ALCI was represented by Mairead O'Sullivan, President, Anabela Almeida, Public Relations Officer and Paula Luc,k General Council Member. Mairead highlighted the work, growth and importance of ALCI membership as a representative body for educational events for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and those aspiring to provide breastfeeding support to families in Ireland. On behalf of ALCI, Paula Luck presented Mrs Higgins with an engraved commemorative slate beautifully made by ALCI Council member Sonya Quinn as a gesture of ALCI's appreciation and gratitude for her support over the past fourteen years. 

Overall, this was a fabulous, inspirational annual event, which was extremely enjoyable. For our ALCI Council members in attendance, it was a lovely opportunity to meet some of our mothers and babies throughout the country.