Supports Available in Louth & Monaghan for Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding can feel wonderful — and overwhelming. The good news is: if you’re in Monaghan or Louth, there are groups, peer support, professionals, and initiatives aiming to help. The trick is knowing what’s out there, when and how to reach them. Here’s a guide to help you find what you need, when you need it.

Peer Support & Local Groups

These are low-pressure, compassionate spaces where you can meet other parents, share your experience, ask questions, or just sit with people who “get it.”

Group Details

Monaghan Town HSE Breastfeeding Support Group, Monaghan Primary Care Building, Rooskey, Monaghan (Education Room); Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month; peer advice, drop-in.

La Leche League Monaghan: Monaghan Town (17 The Grange, Plantation Walk) & various sub-locations like Castleblayney, Doohamlet; Coffee mornings every 4th Wednesday of the month in Monaghan town at 10.30am; also two events each month in Castleblayney / Doohamlet.

Cuidiú Dundalk (Louth): Tesco Extra Community Room, Dundalk; Every Monday and last Saturday of the month from 10–11am; parent-to-parent support, incl. breastfeeding. Drop in and get evidence based support. Donations welcome

Cuidiú Drogheda (Louth): St Peter's Church of Ireland, Parish Hall - Peter Street - Every Thursday 10:30am - 12:00pm (small charge may apply)

Bosom Buddies PHN/IBCLC Breastfeeding Support Group (Louth): Blackrock Haggardstown Community Centre, Sandy Lane, Dundalk, Co. Louth; Thursdays 10am – 11am; you can drop in, get fed-informed support from a lactation consultant or PHN. No booking needed.

louthparenthub.ie

Louth Breastfeeding Support (Facebook group); Online group covering Louth & surrounding; Peer sharing of tips, encouragement, questions, community. Good if you're shy to get out or want quick feedback.

Resources & Initiatives That Help Beyond Groups

These supports may not be “drop-in groups,” but they add important layers of help: policy support, friendly spaces, professional advice, etc.

• We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Monaghan and We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Louth Initiatives: This initiative works to enlist local businesses, public spaces etc to be more welcoming and supportive of breastfeeding mothers. If you’re out and about, this helps you find friendly spaces.

• Breastfeeding Counsellors Telephone Support via Cuidiú: For Louth & Monaghan (and nationally), Cuidiú offers a phone helpline / volunteer counsellors who can talk through concerns, help troubleshoot issues like latch, supply, etc. A good first call when you're unsure or feeling stuck. Find out more at www.cuidiu.ie

• ALCI – Find a Lactation Consultant (Private Practice): If you want professional, trained support (often more in depth or urgent help), checking local IBCLCs through the Association of Lactation Consultants of Ireland (ALCI) is useful. Sometimes home visits or private consultations are available. www.alcireland.ie

Tips for Getting the Most from These Supports

• Go early. Don’t wait until feeding is painful or supply seems low or when you’re exhausted. Early support makes a big difference.

• Bring your baby / come with your questions. If possible, arrive to meetings with any worries (sleep, latch, supply) written down. Makes it easier.

• Ask about cost. Most peer support & HSE groups are free; private lactation consultants usually charge. Check upfront.

• Check Facebook groups’ recent activity. Sometimes group times change. A quick message asking whether the group is still meeting is worth it. These details are subject to change, but we correct at the time of publication

• Combine supports. Use peer support + phone counselling + classes / workshops. The layering helps confidence. You can attend as many support groups as often as you want to.

Specialist IBCLC Support in Louth & Monaghan

Peer groups and public health services are wonderful first ports of call — but sometimes, new mums need more specialised support. That’s where an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) comes in.

An IBCLC is the gold standard in lactation care: someone trained to deal with complex challenges such as:

• Persistent pain or damage when feeding

• Tongue tie or other oral function issues

• Low milk supply or oversupply

• Babies who aren’t gaining weight as expected

• Feeding after a complicated birth or caesarean

• Combination feeding plans tailored to your family’s needs

As an IBCLC based here in the northeast, I offer one-to-one support that’s evidence-based, practical, and tailored to your situation. For some families, this means reassurance and a gentle tweak to positioning. For others, it’s a more detailed feeding plan with ongoing check-ins.

You don’t have to struggle on your own — specialised help is available, right here in your community.

Conclusion

While breastfeeding can feel isolating, in Monaghan & Louth you’re not without allies. Between HSE groups, voluntary organisations, peer networks, “breastfeeding friendly” initiatives, and specialist IBCLC care — there are many points of access.

My advice: find one local group to attend, one helpline in your phone, and don’t hesitate to reach out for IBCLC care if feeding still feels difficult. You deserve help, encouragement, and community — feeding your baby shouldn’t happen in the dark.

All information was correct at the time of publication, (September 2025).