HSE to hold a number of events in Sligo, South Donegal, Leitrim and West Cavan to mark National Breastfeeding Week

This year’s HSE National Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from 1 – 7 October is themed ‘Every step forward: Strengthening support for babies and families’, highlighting the important role that timely information and expert support play in helping families on their breastfeeding journey.

Nationally, more than six in 10 babies in Ireland are now breastfed at birth. The percentage of babies breastfed at birth increased from 63.8% in 2019 to 65.8% in 2025. Breastfeeding rates have also increased beyond the early weeks of life, with 51.5% of three-month-old babies breastfed, compared with 35.4% in 2015.

The HSE has expanded breastfeeding supports in recent years through the recruitment of specialist lactation midwives and nurses, community breastfeeding support groups, post-natal hubs and enhanced breastfeeding training for healthcare staff. There are now 60 specialist infant feeding staff nationwide, while 805 healthcare professionals have completed the new National Infant Feeding Education Programme over the past two years.

Marla Kennedy, Antenatal Education Midwife Manager at Sligo University Hospital said, “Breastfeeding offers important health benefits for mothers as well as babies. It can help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce postpartum bleeding, while longer-term breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. National Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to recognise these benefits and ensure mothers receive the information, encouragement and practical support they need to make informed choices about feeding their babies.”

Maire McGetrick, Director of Public Health Nursing in Sligo, South Donegal, Leitrim and West Cavan said, “Many parents have questions and challenges when they begin breastfeeding particularly in the first few weeks after returning home from hospital. Public Health Nurses are there to provide practical support, reassurance and evidence-based advice, helping families build confidence and access the services they need to continue their breastfeeding journey.”

A number of events will take place across Sligo, South Donegal and Leitrim during National Breastfeeding Week 2026.

• On Thursday 1 October, the event ‘Celebrating Breastfeeding in our Community’ will take place in Sligo City Hall. The event which is being hosted by Lord Mayor Cllr. Ann Higgins and led by Sligo Family Resource Centres Breastfeeding Support Group and the HSE takes place from 10.30am until 12 noon. This event is aimed at bringing families, healthcare professionals and community partners together to celebrate breastfeeding connection and support for babies and families.
• On Thursday 1 October, from 12 until 1pm in Carrick on Shannon HSE Primary Care Centre, N41 E3C9. There will be a Postnatal Hub/Public Health Nursing breastfeeding information stand in the reception area that will have staff there to answer any questions and direct mothers to supports available in the local community.
• On Friday 2 October, at Ballymote HSE Primary Care Centre, F56 PK88, there will be a Postnatal Hub/Public Health Nursing breastfeeding information stand in the reception area from 12 – 1pm that will have staff there to answer any questions and direct mothers to supports available in the local community.
• On Monday 5 October, during the morning and afternoon, there will be an information stand at the HSE Antenatal and Postnatal Clinic, Kingsbridge, Sligo, F91 X054. Whether you’re expecting or have recently welcomed your baby, visit the breastfeeding information stand for advice, resources and local supports.
• On Tuesday 6 October, from 10am until 12 noon, there will be a ‘Wellness Morning’ with Ballinamore Breastfeeding Support Group. Join the Ballinamore breastfeeding group where Pauline McLaughlin IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) will be attending to offer guidance and support. This will take place at the Ballinamore Library, Main Street, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, N41 E061. Light refreshments will be available.
• On Tuesday 6 October, there will be a breastfeeding information stand in place for the entire day in the main foyer at Sligo University Hospital.
• On Wednesday 7 October, from 12 until 1pm there will be a Postnatal Hub/Public Health Nursing breastfeeding information stand, in the reception area at Ballyshannon HSE Primary Care Centre F94 TPX4.

These local events form part of the wider HSE National Breastfeeding Week campaign, which highlights continued improvements in breastfeeding rates and the expansion of breastfeeding supports available to families.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

A spokesperson is available upon request

See mychild.ie/breastfeeding for more information

Data source: https://about.hse.ie/publications/irish-maternity-indicator-system-national-report-2025/

Listen to the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast with Sheila Lucey, HSE advanced nurse practitioner and infant feeding specialist talking about Breastfeeding: Embracing Support & Building Confidence (episode #122). The HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts and on the HSE Health and Wellbeing YouTube channel

Mothers are encouraged to share their experiences of infant feeding support received from maternity and community healthcare professionals during pregnancy and after birth through the online infant feeding survey available on mychild.ie/breastfeeding. Since its launch last year, the survey has captured more than 2,100 interactions, including feedback from over 900 women on infant feeding care and support. The findings will help to shape local and national improvements to services, ensuring families have access to the support they need.

Respondents reported accessing a range of HSE services such as midwifery and public health nursing for feeding support in the post-natal period, as well as support from voluntary breastfeeding organisations. Most women reported good or excellent experiences with the healthcare professionals they encountered for infant feeding support. Almost half of respondents rated their overall experience of infant feeding support as 4/5, or 5/5.

Families can also access the HSE’s ‘Ask our breastfeeding expert’ service through mychild.ie, where they can email or live chat with lactation consultants and find information on local breastfeeding services and support groups.