As part of National Breastfeeding Week (1st–7th October), Cork County Council, in partnership with Healthy Ireland and the HSE, has officially launched “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly in County Cork”, a new county-wide initiative to help improve the health and wellbeing of breastfeeding mothers, babies and their families.
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 informational materials, to help staff and customers create a supportive and welcoming environment.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, welcomed the initiative, saying, “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, commented, “This initiative is an example of how Cork County Council, through it’s Healthy Ireland programme, is working with partners to support health and wellbeing across our communities.”
The campaign is coordinated by the Healthy Ireland Office in Cork County Council, led by the Healthy Ireland Coordinator, and is supported by the HSE.
In the process, significant market research was conducted including focus groups with new mums in the County, to fully understand their needs when breastfeeding.
Businesses, community groups and organisations that register 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.
For more information or to register for the “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly in County Cork” initiative, visit corkcoco.ie.
This initiative forms part of Cork County Council’s commitment, through Healthy Ireland, to promoting health, wellbeing and equality for all.
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25th September 2025
Pictured at the launch of We’re Breastfeeding Friendly by Cork County Council, in partnership with Healthy Ireland and the HSE, are Michelle Burke with baby Alison, Niall O’Callaghan Healthy Ireland Coordinator at County Council with thr Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley.
The programme invites businesses, organisations, community groups and all public buildings in Cork county to sign up as breastfeeding friendly spaces and go the extra mile in supporting mothers who are breastfeeding.
***REPRO FREE***
25th September 2025
Catherine Buckley, East Cork based public health nurse and lactation consultant, Ursula Collins and baby Otto with Rosaleen O’Brien, Healthy Ireland Administrator at Cork County Council, Nicola Radley, Director of Community, Tourism, and Rural Development at Cork County Council, and Michelle McNamara, Healthy Ireland Primary Care Lead, HSE at the launch of We’re Breastfeeding Friendly by Cork County Council, in partnership with Healthy Ireland and the HSE.
The programme invites businesses, organisations, community groups and all public buildings in Cork county to sign up as breastfeeding friendly spaces and go the extra mile in supporting mothers who are breastfeeding. Photo by Cathal Noonan
