'We're Breastfeeding Friendly Longford' initiative aims to normalise breastfeeding countywide

‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Longford’ was launched earlier this month in Edgeworthstown Library.

The initiative was started and developed by Laura McHugh and was launched by Leas-Cathaoirleach Peggy Nolan, members of the initiative and the Longford County Council.

Laura McHugh is the coordinator of Healthy Longford, which the initiative is under. She is no stranger to projects that prioritise women's health having started another that provides free menstrual products to women across the county.

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‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Longford’ is no different. The initiative aims to normalise breastfeeding countywide and ensure safe spaces for breastfeeding mothers by working closely with Longford businesses and organisations.

Education on breastfeeding and supporting breastfeeding mothers are the top priorities of this project.

The initiative came about from feedback that Ms McHugh received from Cuidiú, a volunteer-run parent support charity. She came across Cuidiú after becoming a new mother herself and interacting with their services.

Cuidiú is just one of the many partners involved with this initiative. They offer breastfeeding support counsellors as well as training to become a breastfeeding support counsellor. Antenatal training is also provided.

The event was held at Edgeworthstown Library on Monday, 7 October.

Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Peggy Nolan launched the Initiative and spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of this project.

“Longford County Council is one of the only County Councils that actually facilitate breastfeeding mothers,” said Cllr Nolan.

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“I think it is because we have two women councillors, and two directors of services who are also women, who are very supportive of all things Longford, all things health and anything that can be done to promote a friendly environment and a good workplace.”

Speaking to the Longford Leader she pointed out the difference between attitudes toward breastfeeding only a few decades ago.

“It wasn't something that was even spoken about and nowadays you’re in the hospital and it's the first thing they tell you,” explained Cllr Nolan. “It’s not forced on you but encouraged.”

Ciara Reilly, a breastfeeding support counsellor with Cuidiú was present at the event. Speaking to the Longford Leader Ms Reilly explained the importance of initiatives like this.

“Babies are the most malleable little beings there are, you need to make their world as friendly as possible, and in order to do that we need to make their caregivers' world as friendly as possible,” she explained.

“Mothers who have agency over how they feed their babies are going to have better mental health and much more content experiences,” said Ciara, “Mothers who can't feed their babies the way they want to, they lose that agency.”

Jacqui Degnan agrees, she runs a breastfeeding support group in Ballymahon, is a public health nurse and part of the initiative.

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“It’s a really positive thing for women to breastfeed postpartum, it can have a really positive impact on their mental health, but having the right support there is what’s most important,” outlined Jacqui.

The 'We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Longford' initiative couldn't happen without those that it is set up to support. Mothers and their babies from across the county showed up to the launch to support the initiative.

The initiative, their partners, and the working group surprised them with a cake in their honour.

It doesn't end there, the council plans to continue this work in 2025 by integrating it into businesses and schools and ensuring the continuation of the education this initiative provides.