During emergencies (e.g., natural disasters such as floods/hurricanes, pandemics, or anything that results in families being displaced), appropriate and evidence-based support of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is rapidly required as the greatest risks to this group are posed by diarrhoea, infection, and malnutrition. Even among well-nourished populations, an emergency can quickly place the health of infants and young children at risk. Accordingly, the WHO has urged member states to develop preparedness plans for IYCF during emergencies (IYCF-E) (WHO, 2017). Covid-19 highlighted many challenges surrounding IYCF experienced by families across Ireland; particularly accessing in-person breastfeeding assistance and access to a stable supply of infant formula. Developing an IYCF-E plan would considerably mitigate these challenges and reduce stress on families. The proposed research aims to understand the sources of professional and lay IYCF support available for families in Ireland from the perspective of both recipients and providers. The project will comprise a literature review and thematic analysis of qualitative interviews among those who work for volunteer breastfeeding support groups across Ireland. The literature review will increase current understanding of the contribution that voluntary breastfeeding support groups have made to IYCF support during previous emergency situations, shedding light on how they may be best supported in future. The qualitative analysis will lead to development of a network describing lay IYCF supports available in Ireland, with a particular emphasis on supports available to marginalised sub-populations (e.g., members of the Traveller community, those in direct provision, refugees). Creating such a network will help us identify where deficiencies may exist and where access to and continuity of care may need to be strengthened, particularly in the context of an emergency. This information will feed into a larger project focused on developing an IYCF-E preparedness plan for the island of Ireland.
