Wateford City mural encourages breastfeeding awareness

A lovely new mural has been painted in Waterford City, on the gable end of Mulligan's Pharmacy in Ballybricken, marking National Breastfeeding Week.

The artwork, titled “Annabelle and Billy", depicts a mother and child and was created by London-based French street artist Zabou, and can be seen at the junction of Ballybricken Green and St Patrick’s Terrace.

The art was organised by the Breastfeeding Friendly Waterford Interagency. Participants in the group include the HSE, Waterford City and County Council, the Sláintecare/ Waterford Healthy Communities initiative, Cuidiú breastfeeding support group, Réalta Centre for Arts and Health, Waterford Libraries, Autism Friendly Waterford and the Children and Young People’s Services Committee Waterford.

Claire Bulfin, lactation consultant at University Hospital Waterford, said: “Ireland celebrates Breastfeeding Week every year from October 1-7; 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." 

Claire encourages 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,” she said.