Breastfeeding and Climate Change: A public health and sustainability solution

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Event details

Department of Health Sciences Lecture

Climate change poses an increasing threat to human health, yet infant feeding is rarely considered within sustainability discussions. This presentation explores the interconnection between breastfeeding and climate change, showing how breastfeeding supports maternal and infant health while contributing to a low‑carbon, resilient and equitable food system.

Drawing on the work of the Yorkshire & Humber Breastfeeding and Climate Change (BF&CC) subgroup, the lecture sets out the current climate and public health context, examines the environmental impact of artificial formula milk production, and considers the influence of formula marketing. It highlights the importance of implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast‑milk Substitutes and the wider benefits of protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

The lecture concludes with practical examples and a clear call to action for professionals, communities and systems to recognise breastfeeding as a vital component of both climate action and public health solutions.

• 6pm - Refreshments
• 6.30pm - talk

Further information

This lecture is being hosted as part of the Department of Health Sciences’ Green Impact project on breastfeeding and sustainability, and supports our Departmental unicef UK Baby Friendly Gold accreditation annual progression activities.

Photo by kind permission of Becky MacFarlane, University of York midwifery student

About the speaker

Sally Goodwin-Mills is an Advanced Health Improvement Specialist in Infant Feeding and Maternity at Leeds City Council, with over 20 years’ experience working in Public Health. She qualified as a Children’s Nurse in 1995 and has since gained further professional qualifications as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Health Visitor), International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) Qualified Leader.

Sally played a pivotal role in leading the Leeds 0–19 Public Health Integrated Nursing Service to achieve Baby Friendly Initiative Gold accreditation, as well as supporting all 56 Leeds Children’s Centres to attain and maintain full BFI accreditation. She continues to drive innovation and quality improvement across infant feeding and early years services.

As the current Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber National Infant Feeding Network (NIFN), Sally leads several special interest sub-groups, including the Breastfeeding and Climate Change group. She is passionate about sharing best practice, learning collaboratively, and championing system-wide approaches to improving infant feeding outcomes and reducing health inequalities.

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