Islanders are invited to take part in a week of free events celebrating World Breastfeeding Week – with family activities, expert advice sessions and a photographic exhibition taking place across Jersey.
Running from Saturday 1 to Friday 7 August, the programme has been organised by the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Jersey Steering Group in collaboration with Family Nursing & Home Care, Public Health Jersey, and Maternity Services.
This year’s global theme – “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works” – focuses on protecting and improving the evidence-based support available for parents and babies.
Organisers say breastfeeding provides babies with ideal nutrition and antibodies to help protect against illness while supporting healthy growth and development. They also highlight benefits for maternal health, emotional wellbeing and parent-child bonding.
The week aims to celebrate breastfeeding, share trusted information, help normalise it in everyday life and ensure parents feel welcomed, informed and supported without judgement.
Events begin on Saturday 1 August with a Family Picnic at Coronation Park from 11am to 2pm, featuring children’s activities and professional lactation advice.
On Monday 3 August, the Breastfeeding Buddies group meets at St Paul’s Centre from 9.30am to 11am, followed by a cake sale at the General Hospital between 10am and 1pm.
Parents can meet certified lactation consultants Debra Hennessy and Debbie McCoy in Royal Square on Tuesday 4 August from 11am to 1.30pm, where they will be offering professional advice and information.
The Royal Square will also host The Art of Nurture, a photographic exhibition celebrating Jersey mothers and babies, throughout the week.
Another Breastfeeding Buddies drop-in session will take place at Cooper’s Café, Castle Quay, on Wednesday 5 August from 11.30am to 2pm, where visitors can drop in for professional advice and “a cuppa”.
The week’s final Breastfeeding Buddies session will be held at Communicare St Brelade on Friday 7 August from 1.30pm to 3pm.
Daily blogs will also be published throughout the week as part of the celebrations.
