Today my motion to include references to safe, public breastfeeding spaces in the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Plan passed unanimously.
The pandemic has highlighted how challenging it is to breastfeed in our public spaces.Many parents found it hard to feed their babies while out and about during lockdown, with all amenities and public places closed.
By referencing supporting breastfeeding in public spaces, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown can begin to combat breastfeeding stigma and be a more family friendly community. Read my motion here:
The County Development Plan will guide growth and development in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown from 2022 to 2028. Fighting for change at the local level is a step towards a policy and mindset shift on the national level.
Ireland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. There are a multitude of reasons why a parent may or may not choose to breastfeed, including health reasons, access to support and resources, and personal preferences. An increase in breastfeeding requires a shift in policy, particularly health policy, to support parents in making the choice that works for them. However, at the local level we can fight by making our public spaces more accessible for people who are breastfeeding.
No one in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown should be prevented from breastfeeding because of stigma or lack of safe spaces. Here’s to more progressive planning of our public spaces, going forward.
Eva Dowling 