World Breastfeeding Week 2026

Allison Edwards, MS, RDN, LDN, CLC

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated each year from August 1–7 and shines a spotlight on the importance of breastfeeding support and education. Much of the conversation around breastfeeding focuses on infant nutrition, but breastfeeding also offers significant benefits for mothers. This World Breastfeeding Week, I want to highlight the positive impact breastfeeding can have on maternal health, the legal protections available to nursing mothers, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for women throughout their feeding journey.

Breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers

Breastfeeding is more than a way to nourish a baby; it can also contribute to a mother's long-term health and well-being.

Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer- Research has consistently shown that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. The protective effect appears to increase with the total amount of time a woman breastfeeds over her lifetime. Scientists believe that hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding may help reduce exposure to hormones that can contribute to breast cancer development (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2026).

Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes- Breastfeeding may also help lower a mother's risk of developing type 2 diabetes. During lactation, the body uses glucose and energy differently, which may contribute to improved blood sugar regulation. Studies have found that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women who do not breastfeed, with particularly strong evidence among women who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy (CDC, 2026; National Institutes of Health [NIH], 2020).

Additional Health Benefits- Breastfeeding has also been associated with:

• Reduced risk of ovarian cancer

• Reduced risk of high blood pressure

• Lower risk of cardiovascular disease

• Improved postpartum recovery through uterine contraction after birth

• Increased calorie expenditure, which may support gradual postpartum weight loss for some women (CDC, 2026)

While breastfeeding is not a guarantee against these conditions, it is one of many factors that can contribute to long-term health.

Mental and Emotional Well-Being

For many mothers, breastfeeding can provide opportunities for connection and bonding during an often busy and demanding stage of life. The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, may promote feelings of relaxation and calmness.

At the same time, breastfeeding is not always easy. Challenges such as latching difficulties, concerns about milk supply, sleep deprivation, and balancing work and family responsibilities can create stress. Mothers deserve support regardless of how they choose to feed their babies. Seeking assistance from a lactation consultant or counselor, healthcare provider, or support group can make a significant difference when challenges arise.

Breastfeeding in Public: Know Your Rights

Many mothers feel nervous about breastfeeding outside the home, but it is important to know that breastfeeding in public is legal in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A mother has the right to breastfeed her child in any public or private location where she is otherwise authorized to be. She is not required to cover herself while breastfeeding, although some mothers may choose to do so based on personal preference. Understanding these rights can help mothers feel more confident feeding their babies wherever and whenever they need to.

Workplace Support: The PUMP Act

Returning to work is one of the most common challenges breastfeeding mothers face. Fortunately, federal protections have expanded in recent years. The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act, commonly known as the PUMP Act, extends workplace protections for many nursing employees. Under the law, most employees are entitled to:

Reasonable break time to express breast milk for up to one year after the child's birth

• A private space that is shielded from view and free from intrusion

• A location that is not a bathroom

• Protection from retaliation for exercising these rights

These protections help mothers continue breastfeeding or providing expressed milk after returning to work and can make a meaningful difference in helping women meet their feeding goals. If you plan to pump at work, consider discussing your needs with your employer before returning from maternity leave. Having a plan in place can help ease the transition back to work.

Creating a Culture of Support

Breastfeeding success is not solely the responsibility of mothers. Families, employers, healthcare providers, and communities all play a role in creating environments where women feel supported and empowered.

Simple actions can make a difference:

• Offering encouragement rather than judgment

• Respecting a mother's feeding choices

• Supporting workplace accommodations

• Normalizing breastfeeding in public spaces

• Connecting mothers with qualified lactation support when needed

Celebrating Mothers During World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, effort, and care that mothers invest in feeding their children. Whether a mother breastfeeds for days, months, or years, she deserves access to accurate information, workplace protections, support, and a community that respects her choices. Let’s recognize not only the nutritional benefits of breastfeeding, but also the ways it can support maternal health, protect long-term well-being, and empower women to make the feeding decisions that are right for themselves and their families.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About breastfeeding. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Breastfeeding benefits both baby and mom. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Breastfeeding frequently asked questions (FAQ). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

National Institutes of Health. (2020). Breastfeeding may reduce type 2 diabetes risk among women with gestational diabetes, NIH study suggests. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.