The We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick campaign is seeking more breastfeeding friendly businesses, organisations, communities and workplaces to join the initiative ahead of National Breastfeeding Week 2024 (01 – 08 October).
“Supporting you from Bump to Baby and Beyond” is the theme for National Breastfeeding week.
Campaign Relaunch
We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick is led by Limerick City and County Council’s Healthy Limerick in partnership with the HSE and Children and Young People Services Committee (CYPSC).
The campaign was first launched in 2019 with more than 80 businesses, organisations and community groups signing up.
The campaign is relaunching with a renewed focus on creating welcoming environments where mothers can comfortably breastfeed their babies.
It underscores the collective responsibility of society in supporting breastfeeding.
Throughout National Breastfeeding Week, a series of informative videos will be shared on Limerick City and County Council’s social media channels.
Research Based Initiative
We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick is grounded in research indicating that a welcoming and helpful attitude from staff, along with the acceptance of breastfeeding by other patrons, significantly enhances a mother’s comfort in breastfeeding publicly.
Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces
In light of recent legislative changes, an updated brochure offers employers practical guidance on creating breastfeeding friendly workplaces supporting breastfeeding mothers returning to work with easy, affordable actions.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran will relaunch We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick at an event in Kilmallock Library this Sunday.
The Mayor is encouraging more sign ups, saying:
“We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick is more than just a campaign; it is a commitment to creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding families across our city and county. I invite every business, community group, or organisation with public premises to sign up, get a resource pack and join the cause. Together, we can make Limerick a place where breastfeeding is welcomed and supported, benefiting our babies, mothers, families, workplaces, and the entire community.”
The Need for Action
A recent study demonstrated that breastfeeding rates in certain areas in the Midwest are lower than Irish national averages. This underscores the need to support initiatives like We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick that seek to improve the health and well-being of our community.
Healthy Limerick Co-ordinator at Limerick City and County Council, Olivia O’Brien stated:
“We’re very ambitious for this campaign; speaking to businesses, community groups and organisations in Kilmallock there is great interest in making premises breastfeeding friendly. In fact, we are working toward making Kilmallock a breastfeeding friendly town. The ambition is to replicate this across towns and villages across County Limerick and of course within Limerick city itself.”
Who Can Join?
Any business, community group or organisation that has premises open to the general public, including hotels, community centres, sports and recreation facilities, restaurants/cafes, libraries and healthcare facilities, can sign up to the campaign.
Joining organisations must meet certain criteria:
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Breastfeeding must be acceptable in all areas of the premises open to the public.
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Staff members must be made aware that the premises is breastfeeding friendly.
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Those signing up the campaign must make the public aware of their involvement.
Sign-ups will receive a resource pack including the updated guide, a window sticker and poster.
Contact healthy.limerick@limerick.ie for more information on signing up.
There are more resources available on Limerick.ie
Read the We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick Brochure
Limerick National Breastfeeding Week Events:
- Family Friendly Relaunch of We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick with Mayor of Limerick, John Moran at Kilmallock Library – Sunday, 29 September.
- Buns & Breastfeeding at Limerick Social Services Child & Family Centre, Galvone is a celebration of breastfeeding mums, babies and their families across Limerick – Tuesday 01 October.
- Breastfeeding from Bump to Baby and Beyond - Lactation consultants host a stand in the Crescent Shopping Centre to increase awareness and support breastfeeding – Tuesday, 01 October.
- Symposium - Promoting Breastfeeding for Future Generations - raising awareness with the UL campus community and beyond – Wednesday 02 October
- Buns & Breastfeeding at Limerick Social Services Centre, Henry Street - Coffee and buns at Parent & Toddler Group hosted by Community Mothers – Friday, 04 October
#breastfeeding #breastfeedingweek
We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick strategic partners include the Department of Nursing and Midwifery and Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at University of Limerick. From the community and voluntary sector, ABC Startright, West Limerick Resources and Ballyhoura Development.