Institute of Technology Sligo (IT Sligo) joined the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Sligo’ initiative and launched the upgraded ‘Mother’s Room’, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for breastfeeding mothers on campus.
The ‘Mother’s Room’ located in the Student’s Centre is for expectant mothers who may need a quiet space on their own at any stage during their pregnancy.
The room also caters to mothers who have returned to campus breastfeeding.
Yvonne Roache, Health and Wellbeing Officer at IT Sligo, welcomes the initiative and the Mother’s Room upgrade.
“We need to ensure we support the health and wellbeing of our mothers and their babies throughout their pregnancy. By providing our mothers on campus with this room and by signing up to the “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Sligo”, we are doing this, and we are helping to #BreakThebias.”
Clodagh Roper
Clodagh Roper, a 3rd year Degree in Health Science and Physical Activity student at IT Sligo, is one of the first users of the recently upgraded Mothers Room.
The access to the room has made a significant impact on her ability to keep up the breastfeeding journey of her young son. She said:
“On returning to campus in February, I didn’t think it would be possible to continue breastfeeding my four-month-old child. I am so delighted to have access to this room, and it has given me the option to continue breastfeeding. This has been amazing for my son and me.”
Kellie Hanley, a third-year Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics student at St Angela’s, is part of the programme.
“This is an excellent way of informing mothers that breastfeeding is natural and socially acceptable, and by promoting the initiative the hope is that more mothers will feel comfortable nursing their child in public places”.
‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Sligo’ is an initiative focusing on publicly-accessible buildings and services in County Sligo by improving the health and wellbeing of breastfeeding mothers, babies and their families.
It is funded by the Healthy Ireland Fund supported by the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.