Sir, - In the course of an article on Naomi Wolf's latest book (The Irish Times, September 8th) Kathryn Holmquist refers to comments made to her by a public health nurse during a post-natal visit. It could be interpreted from these remarks that public health nurses do not actively support breast-feeding. I wish to state that public health nurses, like our midwifery colleagues, believe passionately in the benefits of breast-feeding.
One of the cornerstones of the PHN service offered to breast-feeding mothers is support in the form of home visits, breast-feeding support groups and nurse-led clinics. In addition, in the Eastern Region each public health nurse is offered additional specialist lactation education. These courses are run by accredited lactation consultants. - Yours, etc.,
Marie Faughey, Secretary to Director, Public Health Nursing Group, Eastern Region, Lord Edward Street, Dublin 2.