A Community Initiative to Support Breastfeeding in Tallaght
Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding was an initiative in 2018 to bring local agencies together to promote and support breastfeeding in the community. The initiative had two main focuses: education and developing a breastfeeding-friendly environment. While progress was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working to reinvigorate the project in 2025.
Led by CDI with Strong Community Support
The initiative, led by the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) was part of its Powerful Parenting Programme. It was supported by Public Health Nurses, the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, Early Years Services, the Civic Theatre, and local parents.
Creating a Breastfeeding-Friendly Community
As part of the initiative, community settings and organisations throughout Tallaght were invited to display a “Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding” sticker. This sticker signifies that all breastfeeding mothers and their infants are welcome and can feel comfortable breastfeeding within these organisations.
Commitment from Local Organisations and Businesses
Businesses and organisations that signed up for the initiative committed to recognising the importance of breastfeeding. They pledged to promote and support breastfeeding by providing the necessary facilities and resources to help mothers in their workforce combine breastfeeding with their professional responsibilities.
Additionally, organisations committed to supporting breastfeeding mothers within their premises by displaying the Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding sticker and implementing supportive policies. By doing so, they show their pride in being a breastfeeding-friendly venue that welcomes breastfeeding in all areas of their premises.
Major study to improve support for breastfeeding: CDI and University College Cork (UCC) Partnership
A major University College Cork (UCC) study to prioritise breastfeeding as a public health issue has been awarded €2.5 million funding from the Health Research Board (HRB). The first-of-its-kind study will investigate and influence a cultural shift towards valuing breastfeeding as one of the most effective ways to ensure child and maternal health. CDI is delighted to partner with UCC in this important initiative. We will take responsibility for ensuring that women’s voices are at the heart of shaping the approach to promoting breastfeeding. This collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to build on our ongoing work with the HSE and community-based family support services, particularly through our ‘Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding’ initiative.
https://www.cdi.ie/research-resources/research-partnerships/
For more information about the Tallaght Welcomes Breastfeeding initiative, contact Louise, at louise@cdi.ie.