Dublin declared ‘Breastfeeding Friendly City’ but experts say more needs to be done to support nursing mothers

Dublin has recently earned the title of a ‘Breastfeeding Friendly City,’ but experts are now saying that significant improvements are still needed to support nursing mothers.

This designation aims to create a more supportive environment for women who wish to breastfeed in public.

Aisling O’Moore Cunningham from the La Leche League of Ireland highlighted that while public attitudes toward breastfeeding have shifted positively over the years, there remains substantial room for progress. 

“Many mothers still feel uncomfortable and unsure of themselves during the early days of breastfeeding,” she said in an interview with Newstalk Breakfast.

“While the environment is better than it was, there is a lot of work to do.”

Statistics from the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative show that only 63.1% of infants born in Ireland in 2021 were breastfed, despite the well-documented health benefits for both mothers and babies. 

In comparison, breastfeeding rates are notably higher in other countries, with 81% of newborns in the UK and 83% in the US receiving breast milk.

Cunningham emphasised that support is essential for improving breastfeeding rates. “We will continue to have one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world if we don’t establish proper support systems for breastfeeding mothers,” she stated. 

“Women need to feel comfortable and must not face discrimination while breastfeeding. Adequate facilities are also crucial.”

Mags Stacey, a mother of two, expressed her support for the council's decision. 

She described her breastfeeding experience as mostly positive, though challenging at times, especially during the Covid-19 lockdown. 

“When my first child was born in 2020, there were moments when finding a suitable place to breastfeed was difficult,” she recalled. 

“I often found myself feeding outside buildings or at bus stops due to a lack of options.”

In contrast, Stacey also said that her experience with her second child was much easier, thanks to more accessible facilities. 

She hopes the new designation will help normalise breastfeeding in public. 

“The more people see it, the more it becomes an everyday thing,” she said, adding that visibility can boost the confidence of mothers nursing in public.

As Dublin embraces its new status, ongoing efforts will be crucial to ensure that it becomes a comfortable and supported choice for all mothers.

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