Breastfeeding has many health benefits as well as promoting emotional wellbeing for both mother and infant. Indeed substantial research into the health benefits of breastfeeding has revealed that breastfeeding results in a reduction in childhood illnesses such as gastroenteritis, chest, urinary and ear infections, juvenile onset diabetes and obesity in babies/children. Moreover, mothers who breastfeed are at lower risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

However, despite all these known benefits, Northern Ireland has the lowest rates for breastfeeding in the United Kingdom and one of the lowest rates in Europe and beyond. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) has sought to address this issue with the development of the Breastfeeding strategy for Northern Ireland and through the appointment in February 2002 of a Regional Breastfeeding Coordinator.

The Regional Breastfeeding Coordinator is responsible for:

• promoting and assisting in the implementation of the Breastfeeding strategy for Northern Ireland.
• coordinating activities by developing a network with key individuals within the HSS Boards and Trusts
• supporting best practice and promoting the Baby Friendly Initiative in hospital and community settings
• collating and disseminating information on breastfeeding statistics in Northern Ireland
• encouraging breastfeeding education for all relevant health professionals.