Alan Kelly
Ceist:1423. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the steps which will be taken to guarantee the first 24 to 48 hours of skin to skin contact between mother and infant for the benefit for infants [28322/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 20 June 2017
Ceisteanna (1423)
Freagraí scríofa
Ireland's first National Maternity Strategy - Creating A Better Future Together 2016 - 2026 - was published in January 2016. It proposes an integrated model of care with three new care pathways - supported, assisted and specialised. The Strategy provides that all care pathways should support the normalisation of pregnancy and birth. It also provides that all women should benefit from best practice to support the initiation of breastfeeding and promote bonding of mother and baby, such as skin to skin contact, immediately after birth.
Implementation of the Strategy will be led by the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme. The Programme is currently working on a detailed action plan for the phased implementation of the Strategy. I expect that this plan will be submitted to my Department by the end of June.
Questions Nos. 1424 to 1426, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1000.