This Breastfeeding Toolkit brings together evidence-based information on common breastfeeding myths, breast changes during pregnancy, common breastfeeding challenges and postpartum health, including body changes, nutrition, and hydration. The toolkit also highlights the range of support available to mothers and signposts to further information on breastfeeding support services.

 

This toolkit builds on TUS’s community engagement during National Breastfeeding Week 2025, when Transition Year students from Athlone Community College contributed artwork to a themed breastfeeding community event on creating sustainable support systems. Involving young people and the wider community in conversations about breastfeeding demonstrates how awareness and understanding of breastfeeding can extend beyond maternity and healthcare settings. The development of the toolkit also sits alongside ongoing work within the SHE Research Centre. Khayla Timothy, a PhD research student at TUS Athlone, is exploring “Sustainable and Consistent Breastfeeding Support Systems for Mothers and Peer Supporters in Ireland”. 

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Khayla is supervised by Dr Áine O'Connor and Dr Liz O'Sullivan (TUD). Khayla's PhD is funded by TUS. Other contributors to this work include PhD students Angela Kenneally and Sarah Doran.