Awards for local breastfeeding support group in Virginia
Celebrations have been taking place in Virginia following the local breastfeeding group's success nationally.
The Friends of Breastfeeding Awards were presented to 13 of Ireland’s ‘breastfeeding champions’ at a ceremony late last month in Dunboyne Castle Hotel.
Virginia Breastfeeding Peer Support Group were awarded ‘Breastfeeding Support Group of the Year’.
Feeling like “small fish in a big pond”, members of the group were shocked to hear their name called.
The Virginia Breastfeeding Peer Support Group was set up in November 2015 to provide mother-to-mother breastfeeding support. It is run by mothers who have breastfed their children for extended periods and they provide their experience and time in a voluntary capacity. They have received some basic training to carry out the role of Breastfeeding Peer Support Leaders.
Accepting the award, volunteer Lorna Fitzpatrick Gaule said: “Wow, we are completely, completely shocked, but we are immensely grateful and privileged to accept this award.
“It's fantastic for small standalone groups like ours to receive this recognition. We are proudly supported by the HSE, but we see ourselves as very small in comparison to other groups and organisations such as Friends of Breastfeeding, Cuidiu, La Leche League, EBI and all the giants of women who do amazing voluntary work around the country to support breastfeeding.”
The group dedicated their win to two mothers who have been involved with the group, one of whom has sadly passed away.
“We want to dedicate this award to all of our mothers, babies and volunteers in the Virginia Breastfeeding Group, with a special mention to two,” says Lorna.
“One of our mothers is currently fighting a breast cancer diagnosis and we wish Paula the best of luck with her treatment.
“We sadly lost one of our members just six months ago. Sarah was a new mother who came to our group a few times last summer with her precious new twins, Lilly & PJ, and very sadly she was taken ill suddenly and unexpectedly. She fought a long, hard battle for a few months until she sadly passed away last October.”
Group member Mairéad McCahill-Riley, PHN Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for Cavan/Monaghan was also awarded ‘Lactation Consultant of the Year’, sending the group home with two trophies.
“Yes, we won,” says Mairéad with a smile, reenacting the moment. “It’s validation because we know we're doing a good job. You’re quietly confident that you’re as good as the next person. But it’s them saying 'you’re the best of the best'. I was so proud to represent the Virginia team,” says Mairéad.
More than 800 nominations submitted from the public were narrowed down to just 72 shortlisted nominees across 13 categories.
The group already have their sights set on next year's competition.
"We are already looking forward to the Friends of Breastfeeding Awards 2024, when hopefully we will get the opportunity to celebrate and recognise some more of our wonderful professionals, volunteers, mothers and advocates who continue to champion and support breastfeeding in both the hospital and community environments," says Lorna.
To find your local breastfeeding support group, visit mychild.ie for more information.