Breastfeeding Awareness Month

By: Stacie Bevill, DNP, PNP, IBCLC

Breastfeeding Awareness Month is observed every August to help advocate for public understanding and acceptance of breastfeeding and educate on the unique benefits for both Mothers and babies. This month is a celebration of breastfeeding but also an acknowledgment that every family's situation is unique.  

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for 2 years as mutually desired. 

Did you know: 

- Breast milk changes in composition to meet the baby’s nutritional needs, based on factors such as age, feeding frequency, and day or nighttime feedings.  

- Breast milk is full of antibodies and also changes based on exposure to pathogens, to help fight illness.  

- Breastfeeding promotes bonding between Mother and baby.  

- Breastfeeding lowers a mother's risk of developing ovarian cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.  

- Breastfeeding lowers a baby’s risk of developing respiratory infections, SIDS, asthma, allergies, and obesity.  

Barriers:  

-It is important to acknowledge that not all mothers are able to breastfeed, due to medical conditions, low milk supply, adoption/fostering, workplace barriers, or personal choice, and that is okay. A fed, healthy, and loved baby is what really matters.  

Ways to show support for breastfeeding mothers:  

-Normalize breastfeeding. Share this part of parenting with the community around you.  

-Provide a cheerful smile or greeting to breastfeeding mothers, letting them know they are doing a wonderful job.  

Navigating the struggles of breastfeeding:  

-Breastfeeding is natural but that doesn’t mean it is always easy. Seek professional help from a lactation consultant, for individualized guidance with proper latch, positioning, and other issues such as pain or low milk supply.  

-Prioritize self-care with adequate rest, nutrition, and hydration.  

-Give yourself some grace. You are learning and baby is learning. It’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. You are not alone.