About Our Service
Our team of Clinical Midwife Specialists, Lactation Consultants, Physiotherapists & Dieticians have created a suite of breastfeeding videos to support you in your breastfeeding journey. Breastfeeding is a learned skill - both for you and your baby. Being prepared and reaching out for support if you need it is key to a positive experience.
Topics covered in our videos include: preparing to breastfeed, the benefits of harvesting colostrum, positioning and attachment, signs of effective breastfeeding, common challenges, eating well, along with offering guidance on a number of techniques, such as hand expressing.
Breastmilk can be very beneficial to premature and sick babies. We have developed a series of videos especially for women who experience, or are at risk of, a pre-term birth - please click here.
Harvesting Colostrum
The below conditions or experiences may make breastfeeding more difficult. Harvesting colostrum towards the end of your pregnancy can be helpful to promote milk production and to feed your baby if you are unable to breastfeed right away.
If you would like to discuss further, or if your antenatal team has recommended colostrum harvesting, please contact the Infant Feeding Department on 01 408 5761 when you are 34 weeks pregnant.
Visit Stanford Medicine for information on Hand Expression of colostrum and breast milk.
Remember, breastfeeding is a learned skill, it takes time, commitment and patience for mother and baby to become skilled at it.
A special thank you to all the mothers and babies who assisted us in the development of these videos. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Preparing to Breastfeed
In this video, we discuss:
How your breasts change during pregnancy to feed your baby.
Why breastfeeding is important for the health of your baby and for yourself.
How you can prepare for breastfeeding.
If there are concerns, how we can support you with the collection of colostrum before the birth of your baby.
The ‘Golden’ Hour
In this video, we discuss the ‘golden hour’ after birth, a time of uninterrupted skin to skin contact. Along with a host of other benefits, this skin to skin contact serves to stimulate your baby’s instinctive interest in feeding.
Positioning and Latch
In this video, we will show you how to help your baby to position and latch for effective breastfeeding.
Signs of Effective Breastfeeding
In this video, we discuss how to recognise signs of effective breastfeeding and how to know if your baby is getting enough milk.
Common Challenges
In this video, we discuss common challenges experienced in the early days of breastfeeding.
These include:
A sleepy baby
Engorged, sore or cracked nipples
Cluster feeding
Mastitis
Eating During Breastfeeding
It’s important to fuel your body with healthy and nutritious foods to stay well and support your breastfeeding journey. In this video, we share tips for eating well during breastfeeding.
Global Health Breastfeeding Series: Attaching your Baby at the Breast
This video provides helpful tips to promote a deep latch, helping your baby to get more milk, and making breastfeeding a more comfortable experience for you both.
This video was created to support mothers in the developing world, but the content is helpful to breastfeeding mothers worldwide.
FAQs
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My Pregnancy book available from mychild.ie and given at your booking appointment.
HSE - Breastfeeding: A good start in life
The Coombe Hospital: Breastfeeding Your Baby
Bottle Feeding
If you choose to combination feed, or exclusively bottle feed your baby, we recommend that you visit the HSE website and read the information on the following:
Breastfeeding and Exercise
Moderate exercise while breastfeeding has many benefits. It can improve mum’s health and has a positive effect on emotional well- being.
This feeling of well-being, improved energy and reduced stress levels can enhance maternal-infant relationship. For information speak to our physiotherapy department or download our Breastfeeding and Exercise leaflet.
Patient Experience
Every patient’s path to diagnosis and treatment is individual. No matter your specific journey, we believe in empowering you to take an active role in your healthcare.
Departments & Services
Help & Support
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Appointments:
All appointments can be directed through Hospital reception: 01 408 5200, 24 hours a day -
Health Insurance:
We operate a direct payment scheme with VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Garda Medical Aid, ESB, Medical Provident Fund, and Prison Officers Medical Aid. If you are covered by any of these insurers, the relevant insurance forms are signed electronically on your admission to hospital.
Fees:
For more information on Fees - visit our Hospital Charges page -
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The Resource Page:
Browse our collection of patient resources, brochures, and information leaflets—all in one place. Downloadable and easy to access, these documents cover everything from appointments and procedures to maternity, newborn care, and more.
Contact Us
Tel: 01 408 5200
Find Us
The Coombe Hospital
Switchboard:
Location:
Cork St, Dublin, D08 XW7X