Celebrating Art and Support – Launch of New Breastfeeding Mural in Derry by North West BAPS and Peaball
28 November 2024
Find out moreNorth West BAPS is thrilled to announce the launch of a stunning new breastfeeding mural – the first of its kind in the North of Ireland – created by the talented artist collective Peaball, to celebrate and support breastfeeding mothers. The event will take place on Friday, 29 November 2024 at 12:30pm, at the mural site on the gable wall of the Pram Centre, 14 Great James Street, Derry.
This vibrant mural, commissioned by North West BAPS, is a testament to their mission to increase awareness and visibility of breastfeeding and to campaign for nurturing support for local parents who want to breastfeed. Derry City and Strabane District Council has the lowest breastfeeding rates in N. Ireland, and the Mural is located in the Moor which has the very lowest breastfeeding rates in the Council area.
The mural’s unveiling by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council will be followed by the telling of the story behind the Mural and refreshments at Cultúrlann, located at 37 Great James Street.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Barr said she was delighted to see this incredibly beautiful and creative mural. “This is a wonderful way of supporting mothers and highlighting the benefits and joys of breastfeeding and to let women and their families know that there is support available locally. The mural beautifully depicts the special bond between mother and child and is a great way of encouraging breastfeeding and raising awareness and visibility among the community.”
“We are excited to bring this beautiful piece of art to our community,” said Sinead O’Kane North West BAPS representative who coordinated the Mural Project. “This mural not only represents the beauty and importance of breastfeeding but also symbolises our continuous efforts to listen and reflect what parents have been telling us about their experiences.”
Artist Peaball shared their enthusiasm: “North West BAPS are doing great things here in the city by providing a platform for informative discussion and support. We hope the commissioned piece of street art can help not only raise awareness, but help the organisation to grow”.
Join us for this celebration of art and community spirit as we unveil this new addition to Derry’s cultural landscape. Everyone is welcome to attend and show their support for breastfeeding awareness and the incredible work of North West BAPS.
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Notes:
The North West BAPS Breastfeeding Mural which will be launched on 29 Nov 2024, is the first breastfeeding mural in Northern Ireland. There are 2 other breastfeeding murals in the Republic of Ireland:
Waterford’s “Annabelle and Billy” Mural: This mural was created by renowned French street artist Zabou in 2023, and is located in Ballybricken, Waterford. The Mural was commissioned by Waterford Walls and sponsored by Waterford City and County Council, and it has won awards for its impactful message.
Sligo Campus Mural: Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Sligo unveiled a mural to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week 2024. This mural was created by artist Marian Noone (Friz) in collaboration with the Health Services Executive (HSE). It depicts the artist’s niece being breastfed and aims to encourage conversations about the importance of breastfeeding.
North West BAPS (Breastfeeding and Perinatal Support) is a parent-led initiative in Derry City and Strabane District Council aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates and improving breastfeeding experiences. The project was launched in December 2022 in response to the ongoing low breastfeeding rates in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, which has had amongst the lowest rates in the world for the past 30 years.
The initiative provides a signposting service on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, offering accessible information about local and online breastfeeding support. North West BAPS also hosts events, such as the World Breastfeeding in Public Day and the Big Latch On, to raise awareness and support for breastfeeding.
The North West BAPS hosts a walking group which meets every Monday at 10am, providing a supportive environment for parents to meet and an opportunity for new parents & babies to practice breastfeeding in public.
The North West BAPS project is supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council, which co-chairs the North West BAPS Network. This network aims to foster discussion and collaboration among parents, advocates, and local organisations who are committed to supporting parents who want to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding Statistics: According to the latest available statistics, the proportion of ANY Breastfeeding (exclusive or mixed breastmilk/formula) at Discharge (from Hospital/Home Birth) is 50.8% in N. Ireland, 40.6% in Derry City and Strabane District Council (lowest Council figures in N.Ireland), and within the Derry Strabane Council, the area with the lowest breastfeeding rates on discharge is 33.1% in The Moor District Electoral Area.
At 3 months, the proportion of babies receiving ANY breastmilk (exclusive or mixed breastmilk/formula) is 96% in Hungary, 40% in Ireland and 29% in Northern Ireland. Derry City and Strabane District Council has the lowest figures in N. Ireland for ANY breastfeeding at 3 months at 20%.
(Sources: Children and Young People’s Indicator Set DCEDIY 2023; Public Health Agency Health Intelligence Briefing Breastfeeding in Northern Ireland 2024)
For more information:
North West BAPS via email nwbaps@gmail.com
