Louth County Council's 'Healthy Louth' supports National Breastfeeding Week

In celebration of National Breastfeeding Week, 1st to 7th October 2024 Louth County Council’s Healthy Ireland Programme has been championing breastfeeding support across the county. 

Two key events, held in Drogheda and Dundalk, marked significant progress in expanding the "We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Louth" campaign. These community-driven workshops, hosted at The Barbican in Drogheda and Muirhevnamor Community Centre in Dundalk, gathered invaluable feedback from local families on how businesses and services can improve their support for breastfeeding.

The HSE-led Breastfeeding Support Group was launched in Dunleer on October 1st. This weekly group, which attracted a wonderful turnout of families and healthcare professionals, highlights the collaborative effort to foster breastfeeding-friendly environments and ensure that support for breastfeeding mothers is sustainable over time.

Both workshops, attended by a diverse group of mothers and public health professionals, featured dynamic discussions around breastfeeding in public spaces such as cafés, parks, and community centres. Facilitated by Certified Lactation Consultant Catherine McGowan, the workshops gave mothers a platform to share their challenges and successes. 

Attendees also participated in a Sustainable Fashion Workshop, led by Aga Hutcheson, which explored upcycling old clothes into breastfeeding-friendly outfits, blending creativity with sustainability.

The launch of the HSE-led Breastfeeding Support Group in Dunleer on October 1st marks the establishment of a weekly support group where breastfeeding mothers can share experiences, receive guidance, and connect with healthcare professionals.

Róisín McMahon, a Public Health Nurse and Lactation Consultant with the HSE, explained:

“Normalising breastfeeding and fostering a supportive environment for mothers is crucial. Significant improvements in breastfeeding rates occur when a multi-faceted approach is taken, considering parents’ journeys from pregnancy to parenthood and beyond.

"The collaboration between Louth County Council's Healthy Ireland programme and the HSE's Public Health Nursing Department exemplifies how skilled support from midwives, Public Health Nurses, Lactation Consultants, and local breastfeeding support groups can empower mothers to feel confident in breastfeeding for as long as they wish. The 'We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Louth' campaign sends a vital message to mothers and their families that local businesses are welcoming and supportive of breastfeeding in public spaces anytime, anywhere.”

One mother in attendance expressed her gratitude for the initiative, saying: "I felt the event was very informative and well facilitated. It would be great to see more talks on breastfeeding or more events like this, it's definitely needed. It was lovely to meet other breastfeeding mothers.”

Public Health Nurse, Roisin Hanratty, added: "These events provide an invaluable platform for both parents and professionals to come together and focus on improving local support for breastfeeding. It’s wonderful to see this momentum growing."

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The feedback gathered from these workshops will directly inform the next steps of the "We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Louth" campaign. Healthy Louth, in collaboration with local businesses and service providers, aims to develop tailored resources and information sessions that address the needs of breastfeeding families.

Healthy Louth Coordinator, Paula Keenan commented on the event’s success: "The passion and input we’ve received from families across Louth are essential in shaping a more inclusive and supportive environment. We are committed to building partnerships with businesses and public spaces to ensure that breastfeeding families feel welcomed and supported wherever they go."

She added: “The campaign will now focus on expanding breastfeeding-friendly practices in various spaces, including cafes, sports facilities, and community centres. Healthy Louth is working to ensure that every family in Louth, whether visiting a hotel or attending a public event, feels confident in their ability to breastfeed without barriers.”

For more information about the "We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Louth" campaign, visit the website: https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/communities/programmes/healthy-louth/we-re-breastfeeding-friendly-louth/