Photo: Pictured at an event marking MIC becoming the latest organisation to join the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ (WBFL) campaign were MIC staff and members of the public and WBFL Steering Committee: (Back, L-R): Michele Collins (LCCC); Julie McLoughlin (Limerick Libraries); Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Olivia O’Sullivan; Vice-President of Academic Affairs at MIC, Prof. Niamh Hourigan; Brenda Mellett (HSE); Healthy Limerick Coordinator, Olivia O’Brien and Karen Given (HSE). (Sitting): Niamh Codyre and baby Colm; Alicja McCloskey and Cillian, and Edel Foster and baby Cathal.
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. Breastfeeding-friendly rooms are now available on campus at MIC Limerick and MIC Thurles.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, emphasised the initiative’s impact: “The ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick’ campaign has now been adopted by over 80 workplaces and community groups. 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.”
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."
Príomh Comhairleoir 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.”
Professor Lorraine McIlrath, MIC’s Director of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) and Interculturalism, 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.”
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.”
MIC staff member, Edel Foster, who attended the launch with her son, Cathal, said: "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."
For further information on supports available at MIC Limerick and MIC Thurles, visit: MIC Breastfeeding Friendly.
Launched by Healthy Limerick in 2019 and relaunched in September 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.
Despite national efforts, recent studies highlight that breastfeeding rates in parts of the mid-west lag behind national averages, underscoring the need for initiatives like WBFL to improve community health and well-being.
To 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
Watch We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick Videos here.
Photo below: Formally signing up to the campaign was Vice-president of Academic Affairs at MIC, Prof. Niamh Hourigan, flanked by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan and Prof. Lorraine McIlrath, MIC’s Director of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism (EDII).
