Families across Cork are invited to take part in a wide range of free events during National Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from now until 7 October 2026.

HSE South West supports families across Cork during National Breastfeeding Week 2026

Families across Cork are invited to take part in a wide range of free events during National Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from now until 7 October 2026.

A range of activities will take place in communities throughout Cork city and county, including Carrigaline, Ballincollig, Glanmire, Cobh, Fermoy, Newmarket, Midleton, Mallow, Charleville, Bantry, Macroom and Bandon. Activities include breastfeeding support groups, early feeding clinics, baby massage demonstrations, tummy time sessions, coffee mornings and talks on infant communication, reading to babies and infant mental health.

This year's theme, ‘Every Step Forward: Strengthening Support for Babies and Families’, recognises the importance of helping parents at every stage of their feeding journey. The week-long programme will feature specialists from the HSE South West's Happy Talk programme, physiotherapists, public health nurses, lactation consultants, dietitians and community midwives.

Michelle McNamara, Healthy Ireland Primary Care Lead, HSE South West, said:

“National Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to celebrate parents and the services available to them across Cork. Whether you are expecting a baby, have recently become a parent or are looking for advice and reassurance, there are welcoming opportunities to connect with local services and other parents across the county. Breastfeeding offers many health benefits for both babies and mothers, and we want families to know that support is available every step of the way.”

For more information, please contact Sheila Lucey, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Infant Feeding Specialist 087 6635924 or Mary King, Infant Feeding Specialist 086 7871850

Events include:

Monday 5 October

• Glanmire Parish Hall, T45 TW72: 10am to noon, Breastfeeding support group and communication with babies’ advice from Speech and Language Therapist Aoife O'Shea.
• Talbot Hotel, Ballincollig, P31 DY93: 10am to noon, Breastfeeding support group, early feeding clinic, and tummy time session with physiotherapist Julie Gilmore.
• Fermoy Primary Care Centre, 11am to noon, P61 NN79: Fermoy breastfeeding support group.
• Macroom Primary Care Centre, P12 E363: Breastfeeding support group with baby massage demonstration.
• Bandon Primary Care Centre, P72 WD58: 12 noon, Breastfeeding support group.
• Ballyphehane, Unit 5 Kinsale Road business Park, T12 TY27 11.30am to 12.30 Breastfeeding support group.

Tuesday 6 October

• Ballincollig Primary Care Centre, P31 XN96: 10am, Tummy time session with senior paediatric physiotherapist Julie Gilmore; 11am, baby massage demonstration with Martina Madden.
• Cobh Primary Care Centre, Ticknock, P24 V621: 11am, Learn about the importance of reading to babies.
• Newmarket Castlecourt, P51 PEY7: 11am to noon, Breastfeeding support group coffee morning and "Understanding Your Baby" session with PHN Orla Geary.
• Midleton Greenway, P25 RX85: 11am, Walk and Talk on Midleton Greenway. Meet at Midleton Train Station car park.
• Maritime Hotel, Bantry, P75 XW35: 10am to noon, Benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby with Barbara Noonan (Infant Feeding Specialist).

Wednesday 7 October

• Whitechurch Community Centre, T34 RR58: 10am to noon, Coffee morning celebration at the Whitechurch breastfeeding support group.
• Mahon Community Hall, T12 HP40: 10am, Early feeding issues clinic; 11am, breastfeeding support group and baby massage demonstration with PHN Eimear Foley.
• The Arches Restaurant, Mallow, P51 A386: 10am to 11am, Breastfeeding support group coffee morning.
• Cobh Primary Care Centre, P24 V621: 11am to noon, Breastfeeding support group coffee morning and Clever Little Handies workshop.
• Charleville Cork College of FET, P56 E372: 11am to noon, Breastfeeding support group coffee morning.
• Midleton GAA, P25 TD73: 10am, Breastfeeding support group with Clever Little Handies workshop.