New breastfeeding action plan aims to tackle Northern Ireland’s low rates and support more families

Northern Ireland is set to introduce new measures to encourage and support more mothers to breastfeed after the Department of Health launched a three-year action plan aimed at tackling some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the UK.

The Breastfeeding Action Plan 2026–2029, unveiled by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt at the annual Breastival #MorethanMilk event at Stormont on Tuesday, sets out a programme of work designed to improve support for families, reduce health inequalities and help make breastfeeding a more accepted part of everyday life.

Support, awareness and measurable targets

Developed jointly by the Department of Health and the Public Health Agency (PHA), the plan focuses on increasing public awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding while improving practical support available to mothers.

Its commitments include enhanced training for healthcare staff, expanded community support services, public awareness campaigns and measurable targets aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates across Northern Ireland.

The plan also seeks to create more breastfeeding-friendly environments and reduce the inequalities that currently affect breastfeeding outcomes.

Health officials say breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for both babies and mothers, with evidence linking it to improved health and development throughout life.

Minister highlights need to tackle inequalities

Launching the action plan, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said Northern Ireland still had significant work to do.

“Breastfeeding can bring significant health benefits to babies, as well as mothers, and can give children the best possible start in life. Breastfeeding rates in Northern Ireland remain lower than we would like, and significant inequalities continue to exist. Addressing those inequalities must remain a key area of focus.

“That is why the Breastfeeding Action Plan is so important. There is no single breastfeeding journey. Every mother, baby and family has their own circumstances, challenges and successes. By recognising and celebrating that diversity, we can help create a culture where women feel supported and empowered to make the choices that are right for them and their families.”

The Minister also praised the organisers of Breastival for helping to raise awareness and challenge stigma around breastfeeding.

“Through its creativity, advocacy and community engagement, it has played an important role in raising awareness, building supportive communities and helping to normalise breastfeeding across Northern Ireland.”

PHA: Society has a role to play

Deidre Ward, Interim Assistant Director for Starting Well at the Public Health Agency, said breastfeeding support extends well beyond healthcare services.

“Breastfeeding provides extraordinary benefits for both babies and also mothers. It gives children the best possible start in life and also improves their health and development throughout life.

“However, we know that many women face challenges with breastfeeding and that support from families, communities, healthcare professionals is essential. We also know that how our society more widely, in its attitudes and beliefs, workplace environments and social media, can make it easier – or much harder – for women and families to follow the infant feeding practice they want.”

She said the new action plan provides “clear actions” to help create a society where breastfeeding is better understood, welcomed and supported.

Campaigners welcome the commitment

Jennifer Hanratty, Breastival Board Chair and Co-Founder, welcomed the publication of the strategy while stressing the importance of delivering on its commitments.

“We welcome the new action plan’s ambition to accelerate improvement in breastfeeding outcomes. We’re heartened to see that normalising breastfeeding and empowering women are strong features of the new plan.

“We will continue to advocate for monitoring and implementation of the plan to place women’s lived experience at the centre.”

She added that Breastival looked forward to working alongside government and other organisations to strengthen support for women, babies and families across Northern Ireland.

What happens next?

The Breastfeeding Action Plan will run until 2029, with the Department of Health and the Public Health Agency responsible for implementing its programme of actions and monitoring progress against its targets.

Its success will ultimately be measured by whether more families receive the support they need and whether breastfeeding rates improve across Northern Ireland.