Cork County Council Launches Breastfeeding Friendly Initiative Ahead of National Awareness Week

Cork County Council has unveiled a new county-wide scheme encouraging businesses and public buildings to become breastfeeding friendly spaces, coinciding with National Breastfeeding Week which runs from 1st to 7th October.

The "We're Breastfeeding Friendly in County Cork" initiative, launched in partnership with Healthy Ireland and the HSE, invites businesses, organisations, community groups and public buildings to register as supportive spaces for breastfeeding mothers. Participating premises will receive a resource pack including window stickers and informational materials to help create welcoming environments.

The initiative arrives as new HSE figures show breastfeeding rates continue to rise across Ireland. In 2024, 65.2% of babies were breastfed during their first feed after birth in hospital, up from 63.8% in 2019. At the three-month public health nurse check, rates increased from 42% in 2023 to 44% in 2024.

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."

The initiative follows extensive market research including focus groups with mothers in County Cork to understand their needs when breastfeeding in public spaces.

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."

Cork County Council is leading by example, rolling out the initiative in many of its own buildings including libraries across the county. The local authority's Chief Executive, Moira Murrell, described the scheme as an example of how the council's Healthy Ireland programme works with partners to support health and wellbeing across communities.

This year's National Breastfeeding Week focuses on the theme "Hold me close: The power of skin-to-skin contact", highlighting the benefits of this practice for feeding, bonding and recovery after birth. According to HSE data, 89% of mothers and babies had the opportunity for skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth in 2024.

Laura McHugh, HSE National Breastfeeding Coordinator, said:

"Do safe skin-to-skin contact as much as possible as your baby grows. It comforts your baby and makes them feel secure. Skin-to-skin contact helps you develop confidence in caring for and feeding your baby. It also helps improve your sleep and your baby's."

Research shows that increased skin-to-skin contact during a baby's first year leads to better physical and mental health outcomes, including into adulthood. The practice is important for all babies, whether breastfed, bottle-fed or a mix of both.

The HSE has also launched a new Infant Feeding Survey allowing parents to share feedback on their experiences of feeding support from healthcare professionals during pregnancy and after birth. The survey will inform local and national service improvement and planning.

Greater supports for parents have contributed to rising breastfeeding rates, including additional infant feeding and lactation nurses, breastfeeding support groups, increased access to breast pumps and workplace breastfeeding breaks. Over the past five years, at least 35 lactation support posts have been recruited across the HSE, with a further five currently in recruitment.

Parents seeking advice can access the "Ask our breastfeeding expert" service on mychild.ie, which answered over 2,250 questions in the past year. There are now 225 free breastfeeding support groups listed on the website, with common queries including expressing breast milk, sore nipples, low milk production and finding local support groups.

Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, with special responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, said:

"National Breastfeeding Week is a time to celebrate and acknowledge breastfeeding mothers and the power of skin-to-skin contact in supporting feeding and bonding between mother and child. Breastmilk provides infants with ideal nutrition requirements and supports healthy development and growth."

Businesses and organisations wishing to register for the "We're Breastfeeding Friendly in County Cork" initiative can visit corkcoco.ie. Registered premises will be listed on the Cork County Council website and are encouraged to share their involvement on social media using #wbffcork and tagging @corkcoco and @healthyireland.