Leitrim announces its plan to become Breastfeeding Friendly

An exciting new initiative, Leitrim’s “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly” was launched this week in the Landmark Hotel to coincide with National Breastfeeding Week. The 2023 theme of National Breastfeeding week is “Making our communities and workplaces more breastfeeding friendly”.

‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly’ Leitrim aims to improve the health and wellbeing of breastfeeding mothers, children, and their families by encouraging businesses, organisations, and communities and society as a whole to go the extra mile and become even more ‘Breastfeeding Friendly’. The project is being funded by Healthy Ireland, a Government-led initiative which aims to create an Irish society where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society.

Cllr Justin Warnock, Cathaoirleach, Leitrim County Council said “Local campaigns like ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Leitrim’ are examples of how businesses, organisations and statutory bodies can come together in the name of health and wellbeing, in this case supporting families who choose to breastfeed their children. We are determined to continue our collaborative work with Healthy Ireland and create opportunities to further enhance the health and wellbeing of all who live in County Leitrim”.

Cara O’Neill, HSE Head of Health and Wellbeing in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo acknowledged the importance of Breastfeeding Friendly Leitrim and said “the HSE is delighted to support this initiative”.

Speaking at the launch, Ciara Turbett and Aisling Logan Heaney, breast-feeding mothers from Leitrim welcomed the initiative.  “It is wonderful to see Leitrim County Council and Healthy Ireland working towards making our community more breastfeeding friendly. It’s through initiatives like this that we can truly begin to normalise breastfeeding. Seeing other mothers feeding out and about can really encourage new mothers and give them the confidence to do the same. The businesses and other organisations that are participating are sending a message that says they value and understand the importance of supporting breastfeeding and that is to be commended”.

“As organisers of a local breastfeeding support group we would encourage anyone pregnant to call to a group or make contact. Come along and see what breastfeeding is like and chat to mothers to learn what to expect. It takes a village to raise a baby but also takes support to encourage, empower and instil confidence in a new parent”.

Lorraine Mulvey, Healthy Leitrim Coordinator, said: ’We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Leitrim’ forms part of a wider vision for family friendly spaces in Leitrim. I encourage any business, community group or organisation that has premises open to the general public to sign up to the campaign to receive recognition as a breastfeeding friendly space in County Leitrim. We are grateful to the Leitrim hotels, community centres, recreation facilities, restaurants, libraries, and health centres who are already signed up to and are actively participating in the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Leitrim’ campaign.”

Interested participants can sign up for the by visiting http://breastfeedingfriendly.leitrimcoco.ie  or by emailing healthyleitrim@leitrimcoco.ie

More coverage and photos of the event in next week's Leitrim Observer.