Ahead of World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the vital role that support at home – from partners, grandparents, family and friends – plays in helping mothers to start and continue breastfeeding.

This year’s theme, ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding – Create Sustainable Support Systems’, highlights the important role that support networks play in helping mothers successfully breastfeed, not just in the early days, but throughout their breastfeeding journey.

Despite having made progress over the years and an increased awareness of the importance of breastfeeding, Northern Ireland still has the lowest breastfeeding rates in UK and one of the lowest in Europe. Approximately 56.2% of mothers here are breastfeeding at hospital discharge, that figure falls to 40.6% of mothers breastfeeding at six weeks and 27.3 % at six months.

Catherine Magennis, PHA Nurse Consultant and regional lead for the Family Nurse Partnership, said:

“Breastfeeding is a key foundation for giving every child the best possible start in life. Many mothers begin breastfeeding in hospital, however we know that breastfeeding rates tend to decline in the weeks that follow.

“The first weeks can be a challenging time for new mums as they adjust to life at home, but having support from family members - particularly partners, grandparents, and friends – can make a huge difference to a mother’s breastfeeding experience, especially during times of doubt or fatigue.”

Outside of the home, across Northern Ireland there are more than 100 breastfeeding support groups available to mothers, offering help and advice in welcoming, relaxed settings. Many of these groups are led by peer support volunteers – mums who have breastfed themselves and can offer mother-to-mother encouragement. There are also trained breastfeeding counsellors available for more tailored support, and each Health and Social Care Trust provides access to specialist services for families who may need extra help.

The PHA also supports breastfeeding through the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme. This initiative encourages businesses, local council venues, and tourist attractions to sign up and display the Breastfeeding Welcome Here sticker, signalling that breastfeeding is welcomed and supported in their premises.

Catherine Magennis added:

“While there is excellent professional and peer-led support across Northern Ireland, encouragement from those around the mother is vital to help her feel confident, reassured and able to overcome common challenges during breastfeeding – to continue breastfeeding for longer.

“We want every mother to feel empowered and supported in her decision to breastfeed, whether that’s in her home, workplace, or out and about in the community. By prioritising breastfeeding and building sustainable support systems, we are investing not only in the health of babies and mothers, but in the future wellbeing of our whole society.”

The PHA website – www.breastfedbabies.org – provides a wide range of information for families, including:

• Details of local support services and groups;
• Practical breastfeeding tips and guidance;
• Support for employers to help breastfeeding mums returning to work;
• Information on the benefits of breastfeeding in line with the Making Life Better public health framework.