The COVID-19 pandemic brought global change to our everyday lives. One group who were significantly affected were breastfeeding families. Breastfeeding works best when women receive high quality practical and emotional support from professionals and peers including in the community. Many of the usual breastfeeding supports ceased or moved online during the pandemic. The lockdowns brought to the fore the isolation of new mothers, and as a result the HSE and community volunteers came together to trial a brand new initiative in Sligo, Leitrim and surrounding areas entitled ‘Breastfeeding Buddies’.
