Breastival – Celebrating Breastfeeding in NI

Human Milk – Tailor Made For Tiny Humans The idea for Human Milk started in the sleep-deprived mind of mother and artist Claire Tchaikowski, as she fed her son and started discovering all about human milk. What started out as a sort of accidental discovery about a few components turned into a search led by […]

Maternal Mental Health with Wendy Jones

We are so happy to welcome the amazing Wendy Jones back to Belfast. In her first talk of the day Wendy addresses the importance of protecting Maternal Mental Health and safety of medications for breastfeeding mothers. Wendy Jones BSc, MSc, PhD, MRPharmS is a pharmacist and passionate supporter of breastfeeding. She has been a breastfeeding counsellor […]

Aversion Sucks!

Breastfeeding / Nursing Aversion and Agitation (BAA) is phenomenon whereby breastfeeding can trigger certain negative emotions and intrusive thoughts while a baby, or child is latched. Join Zainab Yate to look at why it arises and what can help mothers who experience it. Zainab Yate is a Biomedical Ethicist, with a special interest in infant […]

Breast Health with Ciara McGoldrick

Ciara McGoldrick, consultant plastic and reconstructive breast surgeon offers a clear guide to taking care of your breast health in pregnancy and during and after breastfeeding. We are delighted to welcome Ciara back to Breastival this year. She was a firm favourite speaker last year and her talk is one not to be missed.

Parenting Science Gang: What’s in your toddlers milk?

A radical citizen science project run by breastfeeding mums found out exactly what is in breastmilk for toddlers over age 2. Parenting Science Gang (PSG) is a citizen science project for parents of small children, that puts them in charge of the science – choosing their own research question, designing and then running their own […]

Pelvic health, through pregnancy and breastfeeding

Laura Forker, Musculoskeletal and Women’s pelvic health Physiotherapist will talk about pelvic health through pregnancy and in the post-natal period and how breastfeeding can affect the female body. Laura attended Breastival in 2017 with her daughter and is looking forward to being involved in the festivities this year. Laura can be contacted @PHYSIO.FEM on Instagram, […]

Breastfeeding Basics: Expectations vs Reality

This practical talk is perfect for expectant parents and new Mum’s. Rebecca Scott-Pillai, Midwife, IBCLC and Mum of two will cover: The basics of latching a baby on How to tell the difference between a feeding problem and normal baby behaviour Troubleshooting common problems (sleepy baby, engorgement, painful nipples, sleep). Practical preparation for Breastfeeding and early […]

Got (enough) milk?

Paediatric dietitian and IBCLC Jenni Ashcroft talks about perceived low milk supply, one of the most common concerns among new parents. In this session we look at normal infant growth and behaviour, common worries about supply, ways to protect mums milk supply, and dispel myths that could lead to unnecessary supplementation. Particularly useful for expectant and […]

The importance of partners and grandparents for the breastfeeding parent

Wendy Jones second talk of the day draws from her book “The importance of Dads and Grandmas of the Breastfeeding Mother” inspired by her son-in-law and her own experience of becoming a proud grandmother. Breastfeeding isn’t something a woman does alone, she needs lots of support. People to take on all her usual roles and look […]

Generations : The Herstory of Breastfeeding

This sessions focuses upon the herstories of breastfeeding in our time. We will hear first-hand the experiences of magnificent local women each tells Her Story. In this session we will consider how breastfeeding has and can change in Northern Ireland. The session is chaired By Dr Margaret Ward, feminist herstorian and activist. Her Stories told […]

The Politics of Milk

This session will consider the Politics of Milk. Participants will hear first-hand from local legislators how they propose to increase local breast feeding rates. This is your opportunity to put forward your questions and ensure that local representatives are addressing your priorities as a breastfeeding mother. Chair: • Breedagh Hughes (NI Director, Royal College of […]

10.00am Good Morning Stretch

10.50am Baby Sensory

12.00pm Mum & Baby Yoga

1.00pm Sling Swing

2.00pm Sing & Sign

3.30pm Toddler Sense

Good Morning Stretch

10:00-10:25 in the learning Zone join Jessica to start your Breastival 2018 day with some good morning stretches and yoga for every body. Come as you are- mums with babies in bumps, parents with babies in arms, babies, toddlers, grandparents, and friends can all join in. Jessica will lead a gentle morning stretch and relaxation. […]

Baby Sensory Tasters

10.50 – 11.50 in the Learning Zone Join Sharon for a taster of Baby Sensory, the multi-award winning classes expertly designed to introduce you and your baby (or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can relax, spend quality time with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents. Specifically designed from birth, […]

Mum and Baby Yoga with Jessica

12pm – 1pm The postnatal period is a very special time for mothers and babies. This taster class is designed to provide a warmly supportive environment where the new mother can reconnect with herself physically, mentally and emotionally while playfully bonding with her new baby through the practice of yoga together. Classes include a gentle […]

Sling Swing Taster Session

1pm – 2pm Get active with Sling Swing NI! They’re offering a free taster session of their baby & parent dance class which also includes free sling hire for the class. Run by Nicola Watson, baby wearing consultant and trained dancer this fun session is open to children of all ages that can be comfortably carried. […]

Sing & Sign

2pm – 3.30pm Learn baby signing the fun way! Developed with the help of Speech and Language experts and launched in January 2001, the “Sing and Sign” programme has since taught tens of thousands of parents how to sign with their babies and encourage amazing early communication. These fun sessions will introduce parents to signing […]

Toddler Sense

The Toddler Sense programme is for children from 13 months to 5 years, with classes split by age range, and has been designed to build on the skills acquired at Baby Sensory. Toddler Sense was created by Baby Sensory founder, Dr. Lin Day (PhD Dip. Ed. BSc. PGCE. M. Phil). The primary aim of this programme is to encourage toddlers and children […]

Informal Chats

Mindful Feeding

Informal Chats

Located in The Belfast Room, our informal chats are a space to learn, are open to everyone to ask questions, chat with each other and meet other people like you. Each session will be led by a facilitator but everyone is welcome to contribute, share experiences, ask questions, or just sit back and listen. 11.00 am […]

Mindful Feeding

Throughout the day we will be offering the chance to take 10 minutes to de-stress, relax and re-focus with a short guided session on Mindful Feeding. Join us in the Belfast Room (Chat Zone) at 9.40am, 11.30am, 1.10pm & 2.30pm

Exhibitors

We are thrilled to be hosting a wide range of exhibitors at this year’s Breastival, please make sure you leave enough time for a good browse and a chat! Breastfeeding in Northern Ireland; online support group Breastfeeding in Northern Ireland (BFNI) is a facebook group for Breastfeeding support and celebration BFNI offers Mother to Mother peer support, […]

Human Milk For Tiny Humans

Maternal Mental Health with Wendy Jones

Aversion Sucks!

Breast Health with Ciara McGoldrick

Parenting Science Gang: What’s in your toddlers milk?

Pelvic health, through pregnancy and breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Basics: Expectations vs Reality

Got (enough) milk?

The importance of partners and grandparents for the breastfeeding parent

Generations : The Herstory of Breastfeeding

The Politics of Milk

Good Morning Stretch

Baby Sensory Tasters

Mum and Baby Yoga with Jessica

Sling Swing Taster Session

Sing & Sign

Toddler Sense

Informal Chats

Mindful Feeding

Exhibitors

Gemma & Jonah, Ballymena

John, Jen & Hannah, Belfast

Karen & James, Lisburn

Niamh, Aoife & Leo, Belfast

Rachel, Oliver & Elijah, Bangor