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Each year in August, breastfeeding advocates around the country come together to celebrate National Breastfeeding Month through community outreach and education. Breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby in those crucial first months as it can protect against disease and illness. In fact, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusively breastfeeding during a baby's first six months. Although August is considered National Breastfeeding Month as a whole, the month is further broken down into weeks based on specific demographics when health disparities exist.
When is National Breastfeeding Month?
In an effort to educate and support those who breastfeed across the country, advocates provide resources and initiatives touting the benefits of nursing. Throughout National Breastfeeding Month, various demographics are highlighted to allow for targeted support to address each communities' individual needs.
August 1-7:
World Breastfeeding Week – A global campaign that began in 1992 to promote the benefits of breastfeeding worldwide.
August 8-14:
Indigenous Milk Medicine Week – Created in 2019 to support the diversity of Native American chest/breastfeeding initiatives.
August 15-21:
Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week – This initiative began in 2021 as a way of recognizing the unique cultural and educational needs of the community.
August 25-31:
Black Breastfeeding Week – Began as a way to recognize and close health disparities in the Black community around childbirth and breastfeeding.
What is National Breastfeeding Month?
The US Breastfeeding Committee was formed in 1998 after a small group of breastfeeding advocates agreed to promote and coordinate breastfeeding initiatives throughout the country.
The group's main purpose is to support breastfeeding projects in the United States and to develop a plan in conjunction with hospitals, clinics, and other organizations to promote and educate the public on the benefits of nursing. In 2011, the group designated August as National Breastfeeding Month.
The organization advocates for and raises awareness around breastfeeding in a variety of ways. One way is by promoting breast milk as the top way to meet an infant's nutritional needs during the first year of life.
Breastfed babies reap the benefits beyond infancy — as do their nursing mothers — with a lower risk of diseases and complications such as type 1 diabetes, asthma, and obesity.
Proponents of breastfeeding also advocate for nursing for at least the first six months of the baby's life. The longer a child nurses, the better protected the child is from future health concerns.
Because it is a natural and cost-effective way of nourishing their little ones, many mothers opt for this nurturing practice, as it strengthens the bond between parent and child and provides significant nutritional and health benefits to both mom and baby.
Resources for breastfeeding parents are available
Setting yourself up for breastfeeding success begins long before baby's arrival. When choosing a pediatrician for your infant, it's a good idea to make sure both you and your baby's doctor are on the same page when it comes to breastfeeding. Ask questions and get a feel for how the pediatrician approaches nursing before you make your final decision on a provider.
Linda Smith, an Ohio-based lactation consultant, suggests starting a conversation with a prospective health care provider around nursing to gauge their level of support.
"I might ask what resource the doctor would consult, or to whom he or she would refer me for a breastfeeding-related problem or question," the La Leche League leader suggested in an inteview on the La Leche League International website.
“We can’t expect doctors to know everything about breastfeeding, but we can expect them to consult expert resources and, if there is a problem, to refer clients to an LLL Leader or International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC),” Smith explained in an interview on the
If you're looking for resources to help with breastfeeding, are having difficulty breastfeeding, or just need information so you can support someone who is breastfeeding, countless resources exist. Whether it's helpful apps for breastfeeding moms or tips on what to say when someone you care about is struggling with breastfeeding, National Breastfeeding Week is the perfect time to tap into the wide variety of resources available.
Live, Love Latch
Hosted by LaLeche League International, this yearly event takes place sit-in style across countries where parents and their babies come together to celebrate nursing; locate a Live, Love Latch event near you.
WIC
Provides comprehensive support both online and in-person for those seeking breastfeeding resources.
IBCLC Lactation Consultants
Provide ongoing support to families who are breastfeeding.
Milkology
Provides online courses, downloadable resources, and checklists for nursing families.
Dona International
Connects nursing moms with breastfeeding doulas for a more hands-on supportive approach.
It is important to note that breastfeeding is not always right for every family.
"I did not love breastfeeding. I breastfed my son for a year, and, although I loved the bonding time, breastfeeding itself was never something I really enjoyed," Sarah G. told UNC Health.
"The best advice I can offer new moms struggling with breastfeeding is to see a professional sooner rather than later, and if breastfeeding just doesn’t work for you, that’s ok too," she shared. "Don’t force it. Your child will be happy, healthy, and loved, no matter how he or she is fed!"
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
