Breastfeeding is an important factor to giving a child the best start in life and is central to fostering optimal health and development in the early years and helps contribute to reducing health inequalities.
World Breastfeeding Week provides an opportunity to promote the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for further support of mothers to increase rates across the world and the island of Ireland.
Evidence suggests that low breastfeeding rates are indeed a problem across the island of Ireland. All-island cooperation on this shared challenge can bring many additional benefits. IPH recommends that the history of cross-border cooperation and collaboration evident in this area be built upon with all-island working a policy action worth pursuing.
Access further information from the WHO on World Breastfeeding Week here
Access IPH response to 2012 DHSSPS Breastfeeding Consultation here
Access the recent NI Breastfeeding Strategy here
