Longford Library Services launch pioneering breastfeeding support initiative

Unique partnership creates welcoming spaces for nursing mothers 

Press Release: Monday 15 September 2025

Longford County Council and Longford Library Services have successfully launched a comprehensive breastfeeding support initiative across all six library branches in County Longford, following an official event at Ballymahon Library this week.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Longford Breastfeeding Project inter-agency group, transforms libraries in Ballymahon, Drumlish, Edgeworthstown, Granard, Lanesborough and Longford into genuinely welcoming environments for nursing families.

Each library now features dedicated breastfeeding areas with baskets containing practical essentials including muslin squares, baby wipes, breast pads and nappy bags. Purpose-designed support chairs provide comfort for nursing mothers, whilst carefully curated reading materials cater specifically to mothers and young children. New changing facilities have been installed across all six library branches.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said, "Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting families throughout County Longford. Our libraries have always been spaces of learning and community connection – now they're also welcoming spaces where mothers can feel completely at ease while breastfeeding their children. This initiative exemplifies how local government can create meaningful change through thoughtful partnerships." 

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, "Longford County Council's mission centres on building safe, healthy and sustainable communities. This breastfeeding initiative perfectly embodies that vision, demonstrating how we can work collaboratively to support families during one of life's most important transitions. Our libraries are no longer just repositories of knowledge – they're active participants in community wellbeing."

The launch coincides with preparations for National Breastfeeding Week (1-7 October 2025), which carries the theme 'Hold me close: The power of skin-to-skin contact'.

Speaking at the launch in Ballymahon Library, Public Health Nurse Breastfeeding Support & Promotion, Longford/ Westmeath HSE, Valerie Hynes referenced Keith Hanson from the World Bank saying, "If breast feeding did not already exist someone who invented it today would receive a dual Nobel prize in medicine and economics- showing the powerful significance of breastfeeding.  Peer-to-peer support and welcoming spaces in the community is so important for breastfeeding mothers and this is a wonderful space in Ballymahon library and all County Longford libraries. Creating supportive environments that enable women to breastfeed successfully requires collective responsibility across all sectors of society. Initiatives like Longford's demonstrate exactly how communities can work together to remove barriers and build confidence. When mothers feel welcomed and supported in public spaces, it creates a ripple effect that benefits entire families and strengthens our social fabric."

The initiative represents a flagship example of inter-agency collaboration, bringing together HSE, Cuidiú Longford/Roscommon, Longford County Council, Sláintecare Healthy Communities, Healthy Longford, Longford Libraries, Longford Community Resource Limited, TUS Midland Midwest, Longford County Childcare Committee, Longford Westmeath Child & Young Person Service Committee (CYPSC), Longford Westmeath Community Families, Longford Women’s Link, Foróige -Leap Youth Diversion Project, Bridgeways Family Resource Centre and Lus Na Gréine Family Resource Centre.

This library-focused development builds upon the group's existing work with Longford Shopping Centre and reflects a broader strategy for 2025 that emphasises community education and partnership.

The programme aligns with Healthy Ireland's emphasis on strengthening partnerships between government departments, local authorities, and community organisations. It also supports Longford's Local Economic and Community Plan 2023-2029, particularly its focus on healthy communities where residents can live active and fulfilling lives.

Libraries throughout County Longford are open to welcome families, providing both online and in-person access to these new facilities and resources.