We're Breastfeeding Friendly Monaghan Initiative
We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Monaghan (WBFM) aims to improve the health and wellbeing of breastfeeding mothers, babies and their families through the development and promotion of breastfeeding-friendly businesses, organisations and communities. With backing from Healthy Ireland, we have enlisted over 100 local businesses and organisations in the initiative.
What mothers have to say
Generally, mothers who breastfeed their babies out and about do so with ease. Some mothers say they feel a little self-conscious breastfeeding out and about for the first time, particularly when latching the baby on.
More often than not, a mother will breastfeed her baby and other people around her will not take notice. A key part of successful breastfeeding is feeding the baby when the baby wants to be fed (“feeding on demand”).
According to research, mothers breastfeeding in public feel more comfortable when:
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staff have a welcoming, helpful attitude
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other patrons know and accept that babies may be breastfed there
Our goals at We're Breastfeeding Friendly Monaghan
By signing up to WBFM, private, community, and statutory organisations across County Monaghan can show they welcome and support breastfeeding mothers and families.
Support parents during the key life transition of becoming a parent.
Support a strong culture of connectedness, between mother and baby, within communities and between agencies.
Support business, community and public service settings to welcome breastfeeding mothers and families.
Support breastfeeding mothers and families to be active in the community.
Who can join We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Monaghan?
Any business, community group or organisation that has premises open to the general public is eligible to join, for example customer services, hotels, community centres, sports and recreation facilities, restaurants, libraries and health centres. To join, a business, group or organisation must fulfil the criteria below. Businesses, community groups or organisations can choose to sign up individually or across a number of premises. To sign up, see contact information below.
Criteria to join
Supporters agree to the following:
1. Breastfeeding is acceptable in all areas of your premises open to the public.
2. All staff members are made aware that your business, community group or organisation is participating in We’re Breastfeeding Friendly and is therefore supportive of the needs of breastfeeding mothers.
3. A mother who is breastfeeding in an area of your premises open to the public will not be asked to move to another area or stop breastfeeding.
4. The public are made aware that you are participating in We’re Breastfeeding Friendly and support breastfeeding through the display of a We’re Breastfeeding Friendly window sticker and/or poster.
Most important issues for mothers
It is not a requirement that your premises be adapted in anyway. Many mothers are comfortable breastfeeding anywhere when out and about. Some mothers may choose to have a little privacy, but the careful positioning of chairs may be enough. Research tells us the most important issues for mothers are:
• easy access for, and safe place to park, a buggy
• easy access to a clean place to change their baby’s nappy
• a comfortable chair with a back for support
(The Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition and National Childbirth Trust, 2018)
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Find Breastfeeding Friendly Locations
Explore breastfeeding-friendly spaces across Monaghan with ease. Check out the interactive Google Map beside this text to discover participating businesses and community spots near you.