Healthy Ireland breastfeeding policy

We’re Breastfeeding Friendly aims to improve the health and wellbeing of breastfeeding mothers, babies and their families through the development and promotion of breastfeeding-friendly businesses, organisations and communities.

Generally, mothers who breastfeed their babies out and about do so with ease. Some mothers say they feel a little self-conscious breastfeeding out and about for the first time, particularly when latching the baby on.

More often than not, a mother will breastfeed her baby and other people around her will not take notice. A key part of successful breastfeeding is feeding the baby when the baby wants to be fed (“feeding on demand”).

According to research, mothers breastfeeding in public feel more comfortable when:

• staff have a welcoming, helpful attitude
• other patrons know and accept that babies may be breastfed there

Your business, organisation or workplace can join the scheme if:

• breastfeeding is acceptable in all areas of your premises open to the public
• all staff members are made aware that your business, community group or organisation is participating in We’re Breastfeeding Friendly and is therefore supportive of the needs of breastfeeding mothers
• a mother who is breastfeeding in an area of your premises open to the public will not be asked to move to another area or stop breastfeeding
• the public are made aware that you are participating in We’re Breastfeeding Friendly through the display of a window sticker or poster

Email healthyireland@health.gov.ie for more information on how to join.