“Everyone needs a Margo!”
By Andy Spearman
After the Mayoral Awards on Wednesday I got chatting to an inspirational woman called Margo Duffy who had just been presented an award in recognition of her services to the community, in setting up the Drogheda Breastfeeding Support Group in 2008.
The group started as a cup of tea and biscuit in the upstairs room of St Peters Parish Room. It now has a social media following of over 3,500, allowing support and evidence based knowledge to reach far and wide.
The full name for the group that Margo founded is Drogheda Cuidiú Breastfeeding Group which is an informal “mother-to mother” support group for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Cuidiú is an Irish word meaning “caring support” and the Drogheda group is part of a national network of similar groups around the country.
Margo’s colleagues in the Drogheda Cuidiu group were delighted to congratulate Margo on winning the Mayoral Award on Wednesday night in the Highlanes Gallery.
“A prestigious award to acknowledge the many years of hard work Margo has volunteered to the breastfeeding group” said Drogheda Cuidiú Secretary Marie O’Hare.
“Margo is a retired nurse, midwife, IBCLC (International Board of Lactation Consultant) and mother of six. She set up the Drogheda Breastfeeding Support Group in 2008. It is estimated that there have been over 500 meetings since then.
Margo Duffy (centre with Mayor James Byrne) at the Mayoral Awards on Wednesday evening with (from left) Catherine McGowan, Marie O’Hare, Petrina Finn and Councillor Paddy McQuillan who nominated Margo for the award.
“The average weekly attendance has rocketed from 1 or 2 a week to between 20 and 30 women, that’s in the region of over 5,000 attendees over the years. Margo has also inspired 16 women over the years to train as Breastfeeding Counselors with Cuidiú, two of whom went on to qualify as IBCLCs.
“Margo has mothered the mothers with special events at Christmas, Easter, Saint Patrick’s Day and the highlight of the year National Breastfeeding Week every October.
“Margo has created an atmosphere where women can support each other and as more and more people move to the area she has scaffolded that sense of belonging and community. Her expertise is endless but she will always lean into a mother’s intuition and gently impart suggestions and increase her confidence.
A recent meeting of the Drogheda breastfeeding group with Orlagh from Body Right Physiotherapy giving a presentation to new mothers.
“There is never any judgment, Margo always leaves women feeling better about themselves and that’s why we hear repeatedly “everyone needs a Margo!”
“Her volunteering has touched the lives and hearts of women struggling through postnatal depression, isolation and loneliness, and the challenging transitions of becoming a first time parent and then adjusting as your family grows. She is the heart and soul of the group.”
The group meets every Thursday in St Peters Church of Ireland Parish Hall at 10.00-11.30. (Call in any time). Admission is free and a cup of tea and biscuits are provided. Older brothers and sisters are welcome as, of course, are Dads.
For more information about the grou or to make contact see their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/CuidiuDrogheda/ or email droghedacuidiu@gmail.com
