Pop-up breastfeeding space opens in Tralee to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week

HSE South West is opening a pop-up space for breastfeeding mothers at the Manor West Shopping Centre in Tralee during World Breastfeeding Week, from 1-7 August.

Anyone who is breastfeeding now, did it in the past, or is expecting a baby can drop in anytime. It is a safe and quiet place to feed your baby, have a chat and get helpful support from other mothers – as well as from University Hospital Kerry (UHK) midwives and public health nurses working in the community. Their message is that there is continuous breastfeeding support for every step of your breastfeeding journey through all your baby’s milestones.

On Saturday 1 August, Wednesday 5 August and Friday 7 August, friendly HSE South West staff from will be on-site from 11am to 2pm to answer your questions and offer free professional lactation advice.

Karen Leen, CMM1 UHK Post Natal Ward (Gallarus) and Caitriona Shanahan, Public Health Nurse and Lactation Consultant with HSE South West, both agree that:

“Breastfeeding gives babies the very best start in life, but mothers need a strong community to help them succeed. It is fantastic to see the midwives from UHK being supported in their initiative by local public health nurses and all coming together for this event. We want to create sustainable support systems for any mums and families who are thinking about starting a breastfeeding journey, or who just need some extra support along the way. We wish to create awareness around breastfeeding for everyone and how to access the many supports available.”

Fearghal Grimes, IHA Lead for Kerry, HSE South West, said:

“This event is a great example of how we are bringing hospital services and community services together in Kerry. By taking our healthcare workers out of the hospital and into a local shopping centre, we make it easier for families to get the support they need right where they live and shop. Drop in anytime during the week.”

World Breastfeeding Week happens every year from 1-7 August. It was started in 1992 to help people understand why breastfeeding is good for babies and mothers. The theme for 2026 is ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.’ This means making sure families have the right help around them so they can keep feeding their babies comfortably.

For more details, contact karen.leen@hse.ie

ENDS