‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ campaign reaches a new milestone

MARY Immaculate College (MIC) has become the latest organisation to join the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ (WBFL) campaign, marking a significant milestone in promoting breastfeeding-friendly environments across Limerick.

Supported by Limerick City and County Council’s ‘Healthy Limerick’ team, MIC is paving the way as a breastfeeding-friendly workplace in the third-level education sector. 

Launched by Healthy Limerick in 2019 and relaunched in October 2024, ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ aims to create welcoming spaces where mothers feel comfortable breastfeeding. 

The initiative is rooted in research showing that a supportive attitude from staff and the public greatly enhances mothers’ comfort when breastfeeding outside the home. 

Breastfeeding friendly rooms are now available on campus at MIC Limerick and MIC Thurles.

Despite national efforts, recent studies highlight that breastfeeding rates in parts of the Midwest lag behind national averages, underscoring the need for initiatives like WBFL to improve community health and well-being.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, emphasised the initiative’s impact: “The ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ campaign has now been adopted by over 80 businesses, organisations, community groups and workplaces. Mary Immaculate College’s involvement is especially significant due to its influence on current and future students and staff. By embracing this campaign, we move closer to normalising breastfeeding as a part of everyday life, free from stigma,” said Mayor Moran.

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Deputising for the Mayor of Limerick at the launch in MIC, Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan commented: “I participated in the 2018 launch of We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ as a breastfeeding mother of two. My experiences highlighted the importance of support for mothers who choose to breastfeed, both in the community and in the workplace. This commitment by Mary Immaculate College, particularly with its high percentage of female students, is to be applauded. Furthermore, because I chose to breastfeed my babies, I have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, so the college is contributing to the long-term health of staff and students who are breastfeeding mothers in more ways than we might realise. I'm delighted to see the campaign continue to gain momentum, creating a supportive network right across Limerick," said Olivia. 

Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Dan McSweeney, added: “Educational institutions play a key role in shaping societal attitudes, and their leadership in this initiative sets an important example. I hope to see more organisations across Limerick follow suit, creating environments where breastfeeding is welcomed and supported,” said Cllr Dan. 

Professor Lorraine McIlrath, MIC’s Director of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Interculturalism (EDII), highlighted MIC’s commitment: “We are delighted to join the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ initiative. MIC has established designated breastfeeding rooms on our Limerick and Thurles campuses, equipped with clinical packs and comfortable settings for staff, students, and visitors. This initiative demonstrates our College community’s support for mothers during this transformative stage of life,” added Prof McIlrath.

Healthy Limerick Coordinator, Olivia O’Brien commented: “The ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ campaign is about creating a cultural shift where breastfeeding is welcomed and supported in all aspects of community life. Mary Immaculate College’s participation exemplifies how workplaces and organisations can take simple yet impactful steps to support mothers, families, and future generations. Together, we can foster a healthier and more inclusive Limerick,” said Olivia

MIC staff member and mother, Edel Foster says it is a welcome development: "As a mother, I think having access to breastfeeding-friendly rooms at Mary Immaculate College is a huge support. It provides a comfortable and private space. I’m delighted to see MIC join We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick as it sends a clear message that breastfeeding is normal and supported here. Initiatives like this go a long way in reducing stigma and empowering mothers to feel confident breastfeeding wherever they need to," said Edel.

Further information on supports available at MIC Limerick and MIC Thurles can be found at:  MIC Breastfeeding Friendly.

To further assist organisations, WBFL has released an updated brochure offering practical guidance on creating breastfeeding-friendly environments, especially in light of recent legislative changes.

Those looking for guidance on how to create a breastfeeding friendly workplace, business, organisation etc can request a brochure or sign up to the campaign by contacting healthy.limerick@limerick.ie or visit Limerick.ie