HSE South West works with communities to mark National Breastfeeding Week in Cork

HSE South West works with communities to mark National Breastfeeding Week in Cork

September 26 2025

DOZENS of free events celebrating the benefits of breastfeeding will take place across Cork during National Breastfeeding Week, which runs from October 1 to 7.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Hold Me Close: The Power of Skin-to-Skin Contact” which will also be reflected in the many events planned for Cork/Kerry.

Olympic athlete Sonia O’Sullivan is backing National Breastfeeding Week, saying:

“I encourage everyone to be open minded about breastfeeding and see it as a natural thing to do. It’s convenient, efficient, and really helps you as a mother to get back to pre-pregnancy shape in a very short time.”

Sonia occasionally supports the HSE South West-run Cobh Breastfeeding support group in Cobh Primary Care Centre, and the team there are grateful for her support.

Anita Bane Public Health Nurse said:

“Sonia is a wonderful advocate for breast feeding and it is always exciting to meet her at the Primary Care Centre when she comes to chat with mums. Breastfeeding and expectant mums are welcome to attend our group in Cobh Primary Care Centre on Wednesdays at 11am, no appointment is required, just turn up and you never know who you might meet on the day.”

HSE South West is collaborating with local breastfeeding support groups, libraries, hospitals, and communities to host free family friendly events to celebrate and promote the importance of breastfeeding.

The full list of events is online and includes talks at local libraries; coffee mornings and celebrations at HSE Primary Care Centres. Free events are also taking place at Cork University Maternity Hospital and there will be online webinars for both the public and healthcare professionals.

Catherine Buckley, Infant Feeding Specialist Public Health Nurse, HSE South West said:

“Breastfeeding is the perfect start in life. It provides optimal nutrition, strengthens the immune system and nurtures emotional connection. Skin-to-skin contact is a powerful way to begin, benefiting every baby and every parent.”

For many families, community support makes the difference. Emma Ross a mother from Clonakilty, shared:

“In the early days, my local breastfeeding support group was my lifeline. The encouragement and understanding I found there gave me the confidence to continue breastfeeding.”

HSE breastfeeding supports include maternity hospitals, infant feeding specialists, lactation consultants, public health nurses, practice nurses, general practitioners, online resources and local breastfeeding support groups.

Across Cork and Kerry there are more than 27 breastfeeding support groups, free to attend and open without booking. These groups offer professional guidance and peer encouragement for breastfeeding parents, and more information is available on mychild.ie.

Spokesperson available, contact press.southwest@hse.ie