In the quiet hours, questions arrive
New parents often wake with worries during the small hours. While much information is helpful, the sheer volume from multiple sources can feel overwhelming. That’s where timely, trusted guidance matters. The HSE’s online Ask Our Breastfeeding Expert brings together a team of lactation consultants who respond not only to parents, but also to grandparents, public health nurses, GPs and other healthcare staff. The goal is simple: clear, practical information you can trust when you need it most.
A service built on trust and practicality
The team explains that queries differ, but the underlying need is the same: reliable, actionable advice. By focusing on practical steps—how to position a baby, how often to feed, what signs may require a check—families can implement guidance quickly and confidently. The service also highlights that many families return for subsequent babies, forming a trusted relationship that extends beyond a single question.
Who benefits?
Parents aside, the service also supports grandparents who provide hands-on help, public health nurses who coordinate local care, and GPs who rely on consistent messaging across settings. This cross-stakeholder approach helps ensure that families receive consistent information, whether they ask online or meet in person.
Newborn closeness and the breastfeeding journey
One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing how parents respond to their baby’s cues. Newborns are described as “carry mammals”: they need constant, close physical contact with their mother to support survival. Responsive closeness helps regulate the baby’s heart rate, breathing, body temperature, and even crying. It also strengthens the mother–baby bond and facilitates breastfeeding. The lactation consultants reassure mothers that responding to baby’s needs often leads to greater independence for both parents and child later in life.
Beyond the online chat: local, face-to-face support
The online service is paired with accessible in-person help. Mothers are encouraged to tap into the excellent face-to-face support available from public health nurses, community-based lactation consultants and voluntary breastfeeding groups. This combination of online guidance and local networks helps families navigate challenges at every stage of breastfeeding.
Continuity of care and a respectful approach
Consistency matters. The Ask Our Breastfeeding Expert team emphasizes a respectful, non-judgmental approach, ensuring families can ask questions at any stage. The reassurance that someone is available to respond quickly at any hour brings enormous peace of mind to worried new parents. For many, the service becomes a trusted companion through the early months of parenthood.
Access and encouragement
Whether you are a first-time parent or returning with a second or third baby, the door remains open. The service invites families to use online guidance when needed, while also seeking local, hands-on support to complement what they learn online. The aim is to empower mothers to feel confident, informed and supported as they nurture their babies and begin their parenting journey.
