Longford Library Services launch breastfeeding support initiative

New facilities and resources for nursing mothers across six county libraries 

Press Release: Monday, 1 September 2025

Longford County Council and Longford Library Services are launching a pioneering breastfeeding support initiative across all six library branches in County Longford. 

The launch takes place at Ballymahon Library on Monday, 8 September from 11:30am to 1pm, with Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh presiding the event. 

Libraries in Ballymahon, Drumlish, Edgeworthstown, Granard, Lanesborough and Longford will now feature dedicated breastfeeding baskets stocked with practical items including muslin squares, baby wipes, breast pads and nappy bags. Comfortable support chairs for nursing mothers will be installed alongside curated reading materials for mothers and young children. New changing facilities have been installed across all six library branches. 

The initiative forms part of the wider 'We're Breastfeeding Friendly Longford' through the Longford Breastfeeding Project campaign, which is an inter-agency collaboration working to transform specific public spaces into welcoming environments for nursing families. Partners include the 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 and 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 development aligns with National Breastfeeding Week (1-7 October), which carries the theme 'Hold me close: The power of skin-to-skin contact' for 2025.

The public are warmly invited to attend the launch in Ballymahon Library on Monday, 8 September from 11:30am - 1pm.