August 2021 is National Breastfeeding Month
“We envision a world in which every family is supported at every step along the infant feeding journey, with warm and coordinated hand-offs and transitions so that the needs of lactating families and those who support them are anticipated and met, every step of the way.” -U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC)
Breastfeeding has many documented health benefits for infants, including reducing their rates of ear infections, respiratory infections, and reducing their risk of SIDS. There are also long-term health benefits including being less likely to develop diabetes, cancer, or obesity. Mothers who breastfeed are also less likely to develop diabetes or breast cancer, and are less likely to have a heart attack. Children have less sick days and in turn parents of breastfeed babies have less absenteeism from work. At a community level, providing breastfeeding supports for families who choose to breastfeed can improve health equity, and increase the community’s health overall. Child care plays an important role in supporting breastfeeding families and making it an easier transition for lactating moms to return to the work place. Employers offering supportive family friendly policies that include lactation supports make it easier for families to reach their child feeding goals.
Join the North Carolina Partnership for Children in celebrating National Breastfeeding Month! Think about ways that you can provide support to families to help them reach their child feeding goals and support their choices around how to feed their children.
Every Step of the Way National Breastfeeding Month 2021 Weekly Observances
- Week 1: World Breastfeeding Week
- Theme: Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility
- Week 2: Native Breastfeeding Week
- Theme: Nourishing Our Futures
- Week 3: Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Week
- Theme: Reclaiming Our Traditions
- Week 4: Black Breastfeeding Week
- Theme: The Big Pause: Collective Rest for Collective Power
