Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has unveiled a Breastfeeding Action Plan at the annual Breastival #MorethanMilk event in Stormont.

Breastival, Northern Ireland's yearly celebration of breastfeeding, works to make breastfeeding a normal part of everyday life and to back families by promoting informed feeding choices in a supportive, non-judgemental culture.

Described as a public health priority, breastfeeding is associated with substantial benefits for mothers and infants, improving health outcomes throughout life.

The Action Plan has been co-produced by the Department of Health and the Public Health Agency (PHA), drawing on contributions from health, community and voluntary partners. It sets out to increase understanding of breastfeeding's benefits and to shift public attitudes, with a vision of a Northern Ireland where breastfeeding is normalised and women are enabled and supported to breastfeed.

It commits to stronger breastfeeding support, more breastfeeding-friendly environments and a focus on reducing inequalities. Measures include enhanced training for staff, expanded community-based support, public awareness campaigns and clear, measurable targets to lift breastfeeding rates.

Speaking at the event, Minister Nesbitt said: "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."

He continued: "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." Acknowledging Breastival's role, the Minister added: "I want to recognise the excellent contribution made by Breastival. 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. I would like to thank everyone involved for their continued commitment and dedication."

Deidre Ward, Interim Assistant Director for Starting Well at the PHA, said: "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.

"The PHA has worked closely with the Department of Health and partners to develop the Breastfeeding Action Plan, which sets out clear actions to create a society where breastfeeding is understood, welcomed and supported.

"Through strengthening support services, raising awareness and tackling inequalities, we are committed to implementing the plan and helping to build a society where breastfeeding is normalised and mothers feel empowered and supported to make the feeding choices that are right for their family."

Jennifer Hanratty, Breastival Board Chair and Co-Founder, said: "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.

"This action plan will bring renewed energy and commitment from all partners and we are ready to work alongside the many other committed stakeholders to improve the system of supports and protections for the benefit of all women, infants and families."