This project aims to understand how to support breastfeeding within a university community with the objective of promoting population health. By exploring social, cultural, and environmental factors influencing breastfeeding practices, it aims to find ways to improve breastfeeding rates and address challenges faced by mothers at work or due to their surroundings. Ultimately, it seeks to create healthier habits that benefit both mothers and babies in Limerick city.
In Ireland, breastfeeding rates are lower compared to other places like the UK and Sweden. In Limerick, where this study focuses, these rates are even lower. The University of Limerick currently lacks a clear policy for breastfeeding, so this research wants to figure out how to make things better by looking at the facilities available, the attitudes towards breastfeeding, and the difficulties faced by students and staff returning after having a baby.
The main goal is to make the University of Limerick more supportive through the creation of an environment where a positive breastfeeding culture is encouraged. To achieve this:
Join a program called ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Limerick.’
Make it easier for people on campus to find information about breastfeeding.
Understand the experiences of staff, students, and visitors when it comes to breastfeeding.
Work together with different people involved to make the facilities better and promote breastfeeding at the university.
Employing various approaches such as a mapping exercise and survey, our aim is to comprehend challenges and enhance breastfeeding support, ultimately generating recommendations to improve the experiences of breastfeeding mothers and their infants at the University of Limerick.
We believe that fostering a culture of greater acceptance for breastfeeding at the University of Limerick aligns with the health and Sustainable Development Goal of “ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at every stage of life.”