Project to help breastfeeding mothers launched
Called We’re Breastfeeding Friendly in County Cork, it was launched on Tuesday as part of National Breastfeeding Week which runs until 7 October.
The programme invites businesses, organisations, community groups and all public buildings to sign up as breastfeeding friendly spaces and go the extra mile in supporting mothers who are breastfeeding.
Participating premises will receive a resource pack, including a window sticker and information materials, to help staff and customers create a supportive and welcoming environment.
Cork County Council, in partnership with Healthy Ireland and the HSE, are all involved in the project.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said: “Breastfeeding is a natural part of family life, and mothers should feel confident and supported to feed their babies anywhere. I am very pleased that Cork County Council is taking a leadership role in promoting this campaign, ensuring that businesses and public services across the county are equipped to provide a warm welcome to breastfeeding families. I am also very proud that Cork County Council is being such a positive role model in this initiative by rolling it out in many of its buildings including many of the libraries.” Gabrielle O’Keeffe, Head of Service HSE, added: “Research shows that mothers feel best supported when staff are informed, when there are comfortable spaces available, and when small gestures – like a glass of water or ease of access with a buggy – are offered. The We’re Breastfeeding Friendly initiative helps create those environments, making everyday life easier for parents and families in County Cork.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, said: “This initiative is another example of how Cork County Council, through our Healthy Ireland programme, is working with partners to support health and wellbeing across our communities. By encouraging organisations to sign up and show their support, we are helping to create a more inclusive, supportive and family-friendly county.”
A new countywide initiative has been launched to help improve the health and wellbeing of breastfeeding mothers, babies and their families.
Called We’re Breastfeeding Friendly in County Cork, it was launched on Tuesday as part of National Breastfeeding Week which runs until 7 October.
The campaign is coordinated by the Healthy Ireland Office in Cork County Council, led by Healthy Ireland Coordinator Niall O’Callaghan, and is supported by the HSE. In the process, significant market research was conducted including focus groups with new mums in Cork county to fully understanding their needs when breastfeeding. Businesses, community groups and organisations that register will be listed on the Cork County Council website and encouraged to share their involvement on social media using #wbffcork and tagging @corkcoco and @healthyireland.