Ms. Louise Gallagher

• Alsulimani, M., Gallagher, L., Hughes, M., The Lived Experiences of working mothers who plan to exclusively breastfeed their infants upon returning to work in Saudi Arabia: An IPA study, 4 March, 2025Conference Paper, 2025
• McCarthy, E., Gallagher, L. & de Vries, J., Women's perspectives on the role and impact of Breastfeeding Support Groups in Ireland, Midwifery, 104181, 2024, p15Journal Article, 2024, DOI , TARA - Full Text
• Elizabeth McCarthy (Trinity College Dublin), Caroline Jagoe (Trinity College Dublin), Sara Kift (Trinity College Dublin), Martina Mullin (Trinity College Dublin) , Siobhan O'Brien Green (Trinity College Dublin) , Margaret Dunlea (Trinity College Dublin), Jessica Eustace-Cook (Library, Trinity College Dublin) , Claire Marshall (Trinity College Dublin) , Louise Gallagher (Trinity College Dublin), Survey of staff and students experiences of breastfeeding facilities in a third level educational institute in the Republic of Ireland, 'Back to normal or forward to better? New horizons in healthcare': Trinity Health and Education International Research Conference 2023 (THEconf2023, edited by 7-9 March , 2023Oral Presentation, 2023
• Alsulimani, M., Hughes, M, Gallagher, L, Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Working mothers: A Critical Review, Trinity Health and Education International Research Conference (THEconf2023) `Back to normal or forward to better? New horizons in healthcare, Trinity College Dublin, 07-09 March 2023, 2023, 2023Oral Presentation, 2023
• Gallagher, L., Power, B. & Muldoon, K., Antenatal Interventions for increasing the initiation and duration of exclusive breastfeeding: an overview of systematic reviews, Back to Normal or Forward to Better? New Horizons in Healthcare, Dublin, 7-8th March, 2023Oral Presentation, 2023
• Manar Alsulimani, Louise Gallagher, Mary Hughes, Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Working mothers: A Critical Review, ALCI National Conference 2023, Portlaoise, Ireland, 29th, 30th Sept 23, 2023Poster, 2023
• Louise Gallagher, Antenatal interventions for increasing the initiation and duration of breastfeeding: an overview of systematic reviews, ATU Sligo, 2023Thesis, 2023
• Charlotta Dykes, Pernilla Ny, Yvonne L. Hauck, Lesley Kuliukas, Louise Gallagher, Vivienne Brady & Christine Rubertsson , Women's perceptions of factors needed to encourage a culture of public breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study in Sweden, Ireland and Australia, International Breastfeeding Journal , 18, (49), 2023, p1 - 8Journal Article, 2023, URL
• Carroll L, Gallagher L, Smith V, Pregnancy, birth and neonatal outcomes associated with reduced fetal movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of non-randomised studies, Midwifery , 116, (103524), 2023, p1-15Journal Article, 2023, DOI , TARA - Full Text
• Louise Gallagher Vivienne Brady Lesley Kuliukas Charlotta Dykes Christine Rubertsson Yvonne Hauck, Australian, Irish, and Swedish women's comfort levels when breastfeeding in public, BMC Public Health, 23, (2535), 2023, p1 - 8Journal Article, 2023, URL
• Yvonne L. Hauck, Lesley Kuliukas, Louise Gallagher, Vivienne Brady, Charlotta Dykes and Christine Rubertsson, Breastfeeding in Public: An International Exploration of Women's Experiences, More Than Milk Lactation Science Symposium, The University of Western Australia, 25 Nov 2022, 84, (5), Proceedings , 2022, pp1 - 2, ppdoi: 10.3390/proceedings202308Conference Paper, 2022, URL
• Corrigan S., Howard V., Gallagher L., Smith V., Hannon K., Carroll M., Begley C., Midwives' views of an evidence-based intervention to reduce caesarean section rates in Ireland, Women and Birth, 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI , TARA - Full Text
• Gallagher L, Smith V, Carroll M, Hannon K, Lawler D, Begley C., What would reduce caesarean section rates?-Views from pregnant women and clinicians in Ireland., PloS one, 17, (4), 2022, pe0267465Journal Article, 2022, DOI
• Hauck T.L. Kuliukas L.Gallagher L , BRADY V. Dykes C. and Rubertsson C, Helpful and challenging aspects of breastfeeding in public for women living in Australia, Ireland and Sweden: a crosssectional study, International Breastfeeding Journal , 15, (38), 2020, p1 - 14Journal Article, 2020, URL
• Elizabeth McCarthy Quinn, Louise Gallagher, Jan de Vries, A qualitative exploration of breastfeeding support groups in Ireland from the women's perspectives, Midwifery, 78, 2019, p71 - 77Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL
• Carroll Lorraine, Gallagher Louise, Smith Valerie, Risk factors for reduced fetal movements in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis, European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 243, 2019, p72 - 82Journal Article, 2019, URL
• Valerie Smith, Louise Gallagher, Margaret Carroll, Kathleen Hannon, Cecily Begley, Antenatal and intrapartum interventions for reducing caesarean section, promoting vaginal birth, and reducing fear of childbirth: An overview of systematic reviews, PLoS ONE, 14, (10), 2019Journal Article, 2019, URL
• Gallagher L, Lawler D, Brady V, OBoyle C, Deasy A, Muldoon K, An evaluation of the appropriateness and effectiveness of structured reflection for midwifery students in Ireland, Nurse Education in Practice, 22, 2017, p7 - 14Journal Article, 2017, DOI
• Kathryn Muldoon, Louise Gallagher, Denise McGuinness and Valerie Smith, Effect of frenotomy on breastfeeding variables in infants with ankyloglossia (tongue-tie): a prospective before and after cohort study, BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 17, (373), 2017, p1-9Journal Article, 2017, DOI , URL
• Al Namir H, Brady AM, Gallagher L., Fathers and breastfeeding: Attitudes, involvement and support, British Journal of Midwifery , 25, (7), 2017, p426 - 440Journal Article, 2017
• Gallagher L, Hauck Y, Hildingsson I, Blixt I, Rubertsson C, Factors which enable women to continue breastfeeding for six months: an international comparison between Ireland, Australia and Sweden., Nutrition and Nurture in Infancy and Childhood: Bio-Cultural Perspectives, Dalarna, Sweden, 23rd-25th August, 2016Conference Paper, 2016
• Muldoon K, Gallagher L, Mc Guinness D, Smith V., Frenotomy and the associated effect on breastfeeding variables in newborn infants with ankyloglossia (tongue-tie)., Nutrition and Nurture in Infancy and Childhood: Bio-Cultural Perspectives, Dalarna, Sweden, 23rd-25th August, 2016Conference Paper, 2016
• Szafranska, M. & Gallagher, L., Polish women's experiences of breastfeeding in Ireland , The Practising Midwife, 19, (1), 2016, p30 - 32Journal Article, 2016
• Clare Quigley, Cristina Taut, Tamara Zigman, Louise Gallagher, Harry Campbell, Lina Zgaga, Association between Home Birth and Breast Feeding Outcomes: a Cross-Sectional Study in 28,125 Mother-Infant Pairs from Ireland and UK, British Medical Journal Open, 6, (e010551), 2016, p10.1136/bmjopen-2015- 010551Journal Article, 2016, DOI , URL
• Yvonne L. Hauck, Ingrid Blixt, Ingegerd Hildingsson, Louise Gallagher, Christine Rubertsson, Brooke Thomson and Lucy Lewis, Australian, Irish and Swedish women's perceptions of what assisted them to breastfeed for six months: exploratory design using critical incident technique, BMC Public Health, 16, (1067), 2016Journal Article, 2016, URL , TARA - Full Text
• Carroll, M. , Gallagher, L., Clarke, M. , Millar, S., Begley, C. , Artificial milk-feeding women's views of their feeding choice in Ireland , Midwifery, 31, (6), 2015, p640 - 646Journal Article, 2015, DOI , TARA - Full Text
• Gallagher L, Begley C, Clarke M, Determinants of breastfeeding initiation in Ireland., Irish journal of medical science, 185, (3), 2015, p663 - 668Journal Article, 2015, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
• Louise Gallagher, Attitudes towards, and experiences of, peer support among breastfeeding mothers, Maternal and Child Nutrition, Nutrition and Nurture in Infancy and Childhood, Cumbria, UK, 11th June, 9, (4), John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2013, pp39 - 76Oral Presentation, 2013
• Gallagher, L., Begley, C. & Clarke, M., The social context of breastfeeding in Ireland, 13th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference, Trinity College Dublin, 7th & 8th November, 2012, pp1Meeting Abstract, 2012, URL
• Louise Gallagher, Sub-optimal breastfeeding experience and its effects on women, factors affecting initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, 2012Thesis, 2012
• Gallagher L, Begley C, Clarke M. , Reconciling the decision to stop breast-feeding in the first six weeks, 29th Triennial Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives, , Durban , June, 2011, pp128 - 128Meeting Abstract, 2011
• Louise Gallagher, Infant feeding in Ireland - the historical perspective, MAINN, Nutrition and Nurture in Infancy and Childhood Conference. , Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria, United Kingdom., 8-10th Sept , 2009Meeting Abstract, 2009
• Louise Gallagher, Linda Biesty, Sally Millar, Peer supporters perceptions of a breast feeding education programme , International Confederation of Midwives, 28th Triennial Congress, Glasgow, 1-5th June 2008, 2008Poster, 2008
• Daly D, Biesty L, Gallagher L and Millar S., Midwife-led care in Ireland: an education, The Practising Midwife, 9, (9), 2006, p26 - 28Journal Article, 2006

• Louise Gallagher, Supporting breastfeeding through education, PPI Ignite festival event, UCD, 28th Oct 2023, 2023, UCDInvited Talk
• Dr Louise Gallagher, Kathryn Muldoon & Denise McGuiness, Competence Framework for Breastfeeding Support. , The University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin , 2015, p1 - 36Report, URL
• Gallagher, Louise, Why women stop breastfeeding and the realities of breastfeeding a newborn, Creating Realistic Breastfeeding Expectations, Green Isle Hotel, Clondalkin, Dublin, 4th October 2013, 2013Oral Presentation
• Gallagher, L. & Connolly, B., The new legislative framework for regulating Nurses and Midwives in Ireland, An Bord Altranais National Conference October 2012, Dublin, Ireland, 10th October, 2012Oral Presentation
• Gallagher L, Childbirth Matters - Childbirth and it's relationship with breastfeeding, Annual La Leche League of Ireland Conference, Bundoran, Donegal, 11th March 2006, 2006Conference Paper
• Gallagher L & Biesty L, Breastfeeding feature, The Rotunda Hospital Maternity Information guide, 2006Journal Article
• Gallagher L, Finding and assessing information, Association of Lactation Consultants Ireland - Spring Conference, Cavan, April 2005, 2005Conference Paper

Louise's research area of interest lies within Maternity Care and Women's Health. She is interested in research relating to all aspects of midwifery, midwifery education and maternity care but currently focusing on breastfeeding and peer support.

• Title

  The national infant feeding survey
  Summary

  This is a national survey which commenced in April 2008. The purpose of this study is to provide baseline data on the rate of exclusive and partial breastfeeding at 3-4 months and 6-7 months following birth. To ascertain what factors influence a decision to breastfeed or not and to determine the reasons given by women for stopping breastfeeding at all stages.
  Funding Agency

  Health Service executive
  Date From

  April 2008
  Date To

  2009
• Title

  Peer supporters perceptions of a breastfeeding education programme
  Summary

  The aim of this study is to assess the perceptions of a group of peer supporters in relation to the education programme. This research inquiry will be guided by the principles of Action Research (A.R.) as described by Rolfe (1998).
• Title

  The Rotunda and the Women of North Inner City Dublin:
  Summary

  Aim of study: to assess if the Rotunda is meeting the maternity and gynaecology needs of women in the north inner city Dublin
  Funding Agency

  Rotunda hospital and Dublin City Council
  Date From

  August 07
  Date To

  July 08
• Title

  Sub-optimal breastfeeding experience and its effects on women, factors affecting initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Ireland
  Summary

  There is extensive evidence for the long and short-term benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and infant. Comprehensive national information regarding infant feeding practices in Ireland has been limited. Aims: This study was designed to examine rates of exclusive and partial breastfeeding at 48 hours after birth, 3-4 months and 6-7 months postnatal and to identify factors that influence a decision to breastfeed. It also aimed to explore unsatisfactory breastfeeding experiences among the survey group, and the potential impact that these might have on future infant feeding choices for those women who discontinued breastfeeding in the early postpartum period. Methodology: Mixed-methods research, underpinned by a pragmatist philosophy, was chosen as the most appropriate method to address the research question as it enabled the development of a complete and full understanding of the factors affecting initiation and duration of breastfeeding. application of the results in a manner that could bring about positive consequences for breastfeeding in Ireland. Findings: The results showed that the initiation and duration of breastfeeding in the study cohort remained well below other European countries, with just over half of the women initiating breastfeeding (56%) and less than one in five (19%) fully breastfeeding at 3-4 months of age. Exclusive breastfeeding was reported by 13% (n=61) of the 461 mothers who responded to Phase 3. This is just 6% of the 1002 mothers who responded to Phase 2 and who had breastfed their infants at birth. The compelling relationship between maternal socio-demographic characteristics and breastfeeding initiation was once again demonstrated by the results of this study. Without exception, having a higher socio-economic status clearly favours breastfeeding at birth. In particular, mothers' health-insurance status mediates the effect of several other variables and has been found in this study to be an important factor in the determinant of initiation of breastfeeding initiation. Vivid accounts of personal failure and guilt were portrayed by women who had had a suboptimal encounter with breastfeeding. Women defined this failure as not having achieved their breastfeeding goals in relation to the targets that they had set for themselves. Findings from this study have confirmed that the messages currently conveyed around the superiority of breastfeeding also lead to significant guilt for women when they have a short and unsatisfactory breastfeeding encounter. Women in the present study viewed the widely adopted health-promotion message of 'breast is best' as a contributor to idealistic and often unrealistic notions of the ease of breastfeeding. The qualitative aspect of the present study highlights significant deficiencies in the current level and quality of postnatal support for breastfeeding. It is also evident that breastfeeding is inextricably linked to being a 'good mother', and that cessation compounds a sense of failure in both mothering abilities and the skill of breastfeeding. Furthermore, the results show that pain may have significant and long-lasting implications for mothers when considering future infant feeding choices. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate multiple social and cultural factors pertinent to initiation and duration and have implications for breastfeeding promotion and policy together with delivery of existing antenatal and postnatal services. Achieving the recommendations of this study, designed to promote, support and change the culture of breastfeeding in Ireland will begin to bring about the significant shift required, to improve rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration.
  Funding Agency

  HRB
  Date From

  March 2008
  Date To

  31st March 2012
• Title

  The factors affecting initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Ireland.
  Summary

  The findings of a research study on the factors affecting initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Ireland study were communicated to the original participants, midwives and other key stakeholders including the HSE, National breastfeeding co-ordinator and breastfeeding peer supporters in a series of workshops. These workshops took place at four venues round the country. These seminars were an opportunity to enhance the understanding of the results and bring about a change in how mothers and stakeholders communicate about breastfeeding and used a video to give an overview of the findings and recommendations from the study. The dissemination revealed that women and participants agreed with the studies main findings and suggested that priority should be given to providing breastfeeding support to first time mothers at every feed in the first few days, to reduce the incidence of feeding challenges at this time. Priority was also given by participants to the need to continue such support in the initial days following birth and provide continued help from midwives following discharge from hospital.
  Funding Agency

  HRB
  Date From

  Nov 2012
  Date To

  Dec 2013
• Title

  Factors which enable Irish women to continue breastfeeding for six months: an international comparison with Sweden and Australia.
  Summary

  Background Evidence from a systematic review has confirmed the benefits of breast milk for infant health, further supporting optimal duration for exclusive breastfeeding continuing to six months (Kramer & Kakuma, 2012). Although many countries have promising initiation rates such as 98% for Sweden, 96% for Australia and 81% for the United Kingdom (Save the Children, 2012) prevalence rates are not as encouraging. National data from Ireland suggests that less than 7% of breastfeeding women are breastfeeding at 6 months (Begley et al, 2008), reflecting low initiation and continuation rates in this context. To be effective, breastfeeding support should ideally be tailored to the needs of the setting and population (Renfrew et al., 2012). Further research is warranted to address what enables women to breastfeeding for six months and this proposed study will add to our knowledge by exploring Irish, Swedish and Australian women's perceptions. This exploratory qualitative study used critical incident techniques which have been used to evaluate consumer expectations and perceptions in health care (Kemppainen, 2000). Women who breastfed a recent child for a minimum of six months were invited to participate. Recruitment occurred through advertisements in local newspapers and on social networking platforms. Sampling was purposive initially in all sites, followed by snowball sampling. Three hundred and forty seven women participated in digitally recorded telephone interviews (64 in Ireland, 130 in Sweden and 153 in Australia). The critical incidents demonstrated that across the three contexts there are varying results surrounding enablers related to continuation of breastfeeding.
  Funding Agency

  Curtin University, Australia
  Date From

  01.6.15
  Date To

  27.5.16
• Title

  The effects of frenotomy on breastfeeding variables in newborn infants with ankyloglossia
  Summary

  A before and after prospective comparative cohort study is being carried out to To determine the associated effects (if any) that frenotomy may have on breastfeeding variables1 in infants with ankyloglossia, and, to determine factors that influence breastfeeding women's decision-making in choosing frenotomy for their infants. Breastfeeding variables will be determined at baseline (i.e. prior to the frenotomy procedure) following a woman's decision for her infant to undergo frenotomy. One month post-frenotomy, breastfeeding variables in women who return the baseline survey will be determined and comparisons made.
  Date From

  25.3.15
• Title

  A Review of the Baby Friendly Health Initiative in Ireland
  Summary
  Funding Agency

  Health Service Executive
  Date From

  Feb 2016
  Date To

  17.10.16
• Title

  Women's experiences of the Rotunda Hospital's Next Birth After Caesarean Section (NBAC) services
  Summary

  The Rotunda hospital established a Next Birth After Caesarean Section (NBAC) service in August 2015, as part of the Community Midwifery Team (CMT) services. The hospital now plans to extend the service, and offer it to all eligible women attending the hospital through the public maternity care system. The NBAC antenatal clinics/services are unique in Ireland and are not available in any of the other 18 maternity hospitals. To date, more than 400 women have attended the NBAC clinics but, while anecdotal opinion suggests women are satisfied/highly satisfied with the services offered, their actual experiences have never been evaluated formally. The research aims to evaluate a sub-sample of women's experience of the NBAC services (n=20-25) through one-to-one interviews. Outcomes will include women's overall experiences of this aspect of their antenatal care, and how it prepared/did not prepare them for this birth. In addition, the research will evaluate their experiences of accessing (the process and timing of referral) and attending the services (clinic locations, schedule and timing of appointments etc.)
  Funding Agency

  Rotunda Foundation
  Date From

  July 2018
• Title

  Risk factors for and outcomes associated with reduced fetal movements in pregnancy: a matched cohort study
  Summary

  A prospective matched cohort study exploring risk factors and pregnancy, labour and birth, and neonatal outcomes in women experiencing reduced fetal movements at or beyond 28 weeks of pregnancy
  Funding Agency

  PhD studentship
  Date From

  Mar 2017
  Date To

  Feb 2021
• Title

  Reducing caesarean section rates in Ireland: a feasibility study and pilot randomised trial of an evidence based intervention designed to reduce unnecessary caesarean section
  Summary

  Reducing caesarean section rates in Ireland: a feasibility study and Cluster randomised pilot-feasibility trial aimed at reducing caesarean section rates in Ireland
  Funding Agency

  HRB
  Date From

  Oct 2017
  Date To

  Sept 2020
• Title

  Breastfeeding Support Groups in Ireland: A mixed methods investigation from a Cultural Historical Activity Theory perspective
  Summary

  A mixed methods study which investigated the role and impact of Breastfeeding Support Groups from the mothers' perspective.
  Funding Agency

  PhD Studentship
  Date From

  Feb 2014
  Date To

  Sep 2019
• Title

  Key issues for staff in the implementation, compliance and audit of the use of IMEWS Tool
  Summary

  To identify key issues for staff in the implementation, compliance and audit of the use of Irish Maternity Early Warning System (IMEWS), and explore the provision and impact of IMEWS education and training of staff, at a local and national level.
  Funding Agency

  HRB
  Date From

  July 2019
  Date To

  Sept 2019
• Title

  scoping review of the breastfeeding research conducted/being conducted in the Republic of Ireland since 2020
  Summary
  Funding Agency

  TCD, SNM
  Date From

  May 2023
  Date To

  Sept 2023
• Title

  Audit of breastfeeding support service
  Summary

  Auditing activity with clinical colleagues in affiliated HSP to evaluate a new breastfeeding service. Currently unfunded but larger funded project planned for late 2024/2025
  Date From

  February 2024

• Association of Lactation Consultants of Ireland

• Vice Chairperson of the Association of Lactation Consultants of Ireland 2009 - 2011