HSE colleagues working to promote breastfeeding and the 2024 National Breastfeeding Week (which beings today 1st of October), marked the occasion by gathering at what is an award winning mural highlighting the subject.
The “Annabelle and Billy” mural in Ballybricken, Waterford, completed by renowned London based French street artist Zabou, was commissioned through Waterford Walls (and sponsored by Waterford City and County Council and Mulligans Pharmacy) and was launched for last year’s National Breastfeeding Week.
In the meantime, the “Annabelle and Billy” project won the “Media feature/Art work of the year” category at the Friends of Breastfeeding annual awards at its annual awards ceremony held in Dunboyne Castle, Co. Meath in May of this year. The Awards, as well as being an important opportunity to celebrate and recognise the work of breastfeeding supporters throughout Ireland in both the professional and voluntary spheres, are also an important fundraiser for the Friends of Breastfeeding.
The Breastfeeding Friendly Waterford Interagency working group initiated the “Annabelle and Billy” project. Participants in the group include the HSE, Waterford City and County Council, the Sláintecare/Waterford Healthy Communities initiative, Cuidiú (parent to parent breastfeeding support group), Réalta Centre for Arts and Health, Waterford Libraries, Autism Friendly Waterford and the Children and Young People’s Services Committee Waterford.
The mural is on the gable end of Mulligan’s Pharmacy, at the junction of Ballybricken Green and St. Patrick’s Terrace.
Brianna Connaughton (Health Promotion and Improvement Officer with HSE), who chairs the Breastfeeding Friendly Waterford Interagency working group said the mural in Ballybricken delivers a powerful health and wellbeing message for everyone and she is thrilled that its significance as a public art installation has been recognised in a national awards scheme.
Maeve Roche (Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Infant feeding and lactation, HSE Community Healthcare) said the mural ties in with the HSE’s own 2024 National Breastfeeding message of “Supporting you from bump to baby and beyond” and added that there are numerous breastfeeding support resources available throughout Co. Waterford, including support groups in Cappoquin, Dungarvan, Tramore and in Waterford City.
Grace Walsh (Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Early transfer home scheme and outreach, Maternity Dept., University Hospital Waterford) said that for anyone interested, expert advice is available at all times from the HSE by way of the “My Child” web site, featuring a guide to pregnancy, baby and toddler health, trusted information from experts and information on and contact details for health services and support.
Speaking at the mural this week, Claire Bulfin (Lactation consultant, University Hospital Waterford) said:
“Ireland celebrates National Breastfeeding Week every year from 1st to 7th of October, mothers celebrate breastfeeding every day in their homes.”
“Improving breastfeeding rates will help to improve long term population health. Breastfeeding supports your child’s health now and over the long term. It’s also important for mothers too, supporting their recovery after birth and reducing their risk of breast cancer and diabetes.”
“I encourage mothers to attend breastfeeding classes and get advice for their own situation in the antenatal period, to prepare them for what to expect in the early days and weeks. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing mums surprise themselves at how well they do, gaining confidence with every feed and enjoying breastfeeding their baby.”
Last updated on: 01 / 10 / 2024
