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National Breastfeeding Month

Show your support for National Breastfeeding Month - promote the benefits of breastfeeding and help create a healthier future!
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When it is?
August 1
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Category
Health
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Country
United States
Introduction

August is National Breastfeeding Month, and it's time to get excited! This month-long celebration was first established in the United States back in 2011 to help promote the importance of breastfeeding education and advocacy. Breastfeeding is a natural way for mothers to give their babies the best nutrition, connect with them on an intimate level, and build a strong bond between parent and child. So join us this August as we recognize the many benefits of breastfeeding and honor all of the wonderful mothers who choose to take part in this special bonding experience.

History of National Breastfeeding Month

National Breastfeeding Month Dates

National Breastfeeding Month Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Breastfeeding Practices Promoted</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1800s, practicing physicians recognized and began promoting the benefits of breastfeeding for infant growth and development.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of La Leche League</div><div class='timeline-text'>The La Leche League was formed to support and educate mothers about breastfeeding and to provide a community for them.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>WHO Defines Breastfeeding Guidelines</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced breastfeeding guidelines that recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative</div><div class='timeline-text'>The WHO and UNICEF launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer optimal level of care for lactation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Breastfeeding Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>August was officially recognized as National Breastfeeding Month by the United States, as part of an effort to promote breastfeeding and its many benefits.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a breastfeeding event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many organizations host events like breastfeeding meetings, classes and conferences in support of National Breastfeeding Month. Connect with other mothers and learn tips and tricks on how to make breastfeeding a positive experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a breastfeeding support group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of moms together who are breastfeeding and host a meeting in your community. This is a great way to connect with other mothers and share experiences, tips and advice on how to make the experience easier.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Read books or search online for information about breastfeeding. There are many resources available to help you understand the basics of breastfeeding and the best practices for success.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join an online breastfeeding community</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many online communities dedicated to providing resources, support, and advice for pregnant and nursing mothers. Joining one of these communities can help you connect with other mothers and learn more about breastfeeding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a viewing party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over for a movie night to watch documentaries about breastfeeding or even just lighthearted comedies that feature nursing mothers. Make sure to have plenty of snacks on hand!</p></div></div>

Why National Breastfeeding Month is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Breastfeeding is beneficial for babies</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Breast milk contains antibodies that help fight off illnesses, helping to protect babies from many diseases. It also helps with baby’s digestive system and provides important nutrients that are essential for proper development. Plus, breastfeeding can help build a strong bond between mother and baby!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Breastfeeding is good for mothers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for the mother as well. It can reduce the risk of diabetes and breast cancer, as well as providing a natural way to manage weight loss after giving birth. It also helps with postpartum depression and release hormones that promote relaxation and well being.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes healthy communities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When mothers have access to the support they need to successfully breastfeed, the health of whole communities improves. Having more babies receiving the nutrition they need leads to healthier children later in life, reducing healthcare costs while also improving society's overall wellbeing.</p></div></div>

5 Uncovered Secrets for National Breastfeeding Month

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Breastfeeding Lowers the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)</h3><p class='facts-content'>Research has shown that breastfeeding can significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, offering your baby another protective layer in the early stages of life.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Human Milk is Tailor-made for Human Babies</h3><p class='facts-content'>Human milk has the perfect balance of nutrients for a baby’s development, and it changes over time to meet the baby’s growing needs, a feat that cannot be replicated by manufactured formulas.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Skin to Skin Contact Enhances Bonding</h3><p class='facts-content'>Breastfeeding promotes skin-to-skin contact, which not only helps regulate the baby's body temperature, breathing rate, heart rate, and blood sugar but also enhances bonding and emotional connection.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Breastfeeding is Economically Beneficial</h3><p class='facts-content'>Breastfeeding is cost-effective. Baby formula, bottles, and other supplies needed for artificial feeding can quickly add up, while breastfeeding largely only requires the mother’s nutrition and hydration.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Breastfeeding Can Delay Menstruation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Beyond its health benefits, breastfeeding can naturally delay the return of menstruation for some mothers, offering a form of natural birth control known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).</p></div></div>

National Breastfeeding Month FAQs

When is National Breastfeeding Month?

National Breastfeeding Month is celebrated on August 1 every year. In 2024, National Breastfeeding Month will occur on a Thursday.

National Breastfeeding Month Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Aug 1

Tuesday

2024

Aug 1

Thursday

2025

Aug 1

Friday

2026

Aug 1

Saturday

2027

Aug 1

Sunday

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