Council Supports Mothers to Breastfeed

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is proud to support World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place annually in the first week of August. 

The initiative, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and global health partners, highlights breastfeeding as a key pillar for lifelong health, child development and social equality.

Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both infant and mother. The Public Health Agency’s Children’s Health in Northern Ireland 2023/24 report highlights its role in reducing the risk of a range of childhood illnesses, including ear and respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, bowel complications, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and childhood leukaemia. It is also associated with long-term health outcomes, such as a reduced likelihood of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer, ovarian cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

Despite these well-established benefits, breastfeeding rates in Northern Ireland remain low. According to the same report, just over half of infants are breastfed at hospital discharge, dropping to only 17.5% by 12 months of age.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all mothers who choose to breastfeed. In partnership with the Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency, the Council actively promotes the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme. This initiative helps families easily identify local venues—such as cafés, restaurants, shops and salons—where breastfeeding is welcomed and supported.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said, “At Newry Mourne and Down District Council, we’re proud to stand with every parent choosing to breastfeed. Our welcoming spaces, listed on the interactive map on the breastfedbabies.org website, reflect our commitment to family, community wellbeing and equality where all feel supported, respected and empowered. I encourage your business to sign up today by contacting our Health Improvement Team.”

Local implementation of the scheme is led by the Council, which works closely with local businesses and community venues to ensure they meet the criteria for supporting breastfeeding families. Through this partnership approach, the Council aims to increase the number of welcoming spaces across the district, helping to normalise breastfeeding and provide reassurance to mothers that they will be supported when out and about.

Businesses that join the scheme will receive promotional materials and benefit from ongoing recognition and awareness-raising campaigns. Participating venues are listed online so that parents can easily find supportive spaces while visiting their local area.

With over 50 participating businesses in the Newry area and nearly 20 in Downpatrick, the Council invites more local establishments to get involved and make a meaningful impact on community health and wellbeing.

Businesses open to the general public are encouraged to register for the scheme, provided they meet the criteria outlined at www.breastfedbabies.org.

For further information and to access resources to support the roll out in your business, please contact: healthandwellbeing@nmandd.org.