Breastfeeding Support Events Taking Place Across Wexford This Week

A number of free events are taking place across County Wexford as part of HSE National Breastfeeding Week 2026.

This year’s campaign, which runs from October 1st to 7th, has the theme “Every step forward: Strengthening support for babies and families.”

The campaign aims to highlight the importance of timely information and expert support for parents, as well as the role families, communities, workplaces and health services can play in supporting breastfeeding.

A coffee morning will take place at the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross today, Monday October 5th, from 10am until 11.30am, where breastfeeding advice and support will be available.

Two further coffee mornings will take place on Wednesday, October 7th:

• Kilcannon Garden Centre, Wexford – 10.30am to 12 noon

• Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey – 10.30am to 12 noon

A further coffee morning will be held at Gorey Youth Needs on Thursday, October 8th from 10.30am until 12 noon.

The local events form part of the HSE’s wider National Breastfeeding Week campaign, which is also highlighting practical measures proven to help mothers and babies.

The HSE is encouraging expectant mothers to discuss feeding during pregnancy with their midwife and to attend breastfeeding preparation classes where available.

Following birth, safe skin-to-skin contact is encouraged to support bonding and help establish breastfeeding.

Parents are also being advised to seek help early if difficulties arise, with support available through midwives, public health nurses, breastfeeding volunteers and the HSE’s online breastfeeding service.

The HSE says support from partners, grandparents, friends and wider family can also make an important difference.

Mothers are reminded that they are legally entitled to breastfeed in public places in Ireland and do not need to ask permission.

Employees who are breastfeeding are also entitled to breastfeeding breaks of up to one hour during a normal working day, where required, until their child reaches their second birthday.

The HSE says every feeding journey is different and is encouraging families to recognise every step forward, whether breastfeeding continues for a day, a week, a month or longer.

Parents are being encouraged to get feeding information from trusted sources including mychild.ie.

Wexford families can also follow @HSEmychild on social media and the hashtags #HoldMeClose and #NBW2026 for further information and support.