In response, the NWIHP partnered with the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC) to develop the National Infant Feeding Support Services Survey — a national survey designed to capture women’s experiences of infant feeding support across pregnancy, birth, postnatal care, and community services.
The survey was developed collaboratively with healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, community organisations, and women with lived experience to ensure it was practical, inclusive, and accessible.
To date, over 1,891 women have completed the survey nationally, providing valuable insight into what is working well and where services can continue to improve.
Early findings highlight the importance of:
- Consistent infant feeding conversations during pregnancy
- Timely postnatal support
- Strong continuity between hospital and community care
Public Health Nurses were identified as a key source of postnatal support, with many women reporting positive experiences of continuity of care from hospital to home.
Encouragingly, 86% of women said they would recommend their maternity service for infant feeding support.
The survey was formally launched at the International Day of the Midwife Conference on 15 May 2026 and will continue to support ongoing quality improvement and implementation of the National Infant Feeding Standards.
We will continue to update this website regularly with survey findings, learning, and developments as the project progresses.
At its core, this initiative is about turning women’s feedback into meaningful action — helping shape better care for mothers, babies, and families across Ireland.
