Every August, we observe National Breastfeeding Month, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about breastfeeding benefits and support. This annual observance supports breastfeeding mothers through advocacy and education. Breastfeeding is a natural way for mom and baby to bond while ensuring the baby receives important nutrients. In support of National Breastfeeding Month, today’s blog discusses the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding, including helpful resources.
Key Takeaways
- National Breastfeeding Month significance and history.
- Weekly spotlights within Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
- Breastfeeding benefits overview.
- Common breastfeeding challenges and how to find support.
What is National Breastfeeding Month?
The significance of breastfeeding and its benefits gained global attention with the 1990 Innocenti Declaration, an international statement for the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding adopted by government policymakers from over 30 countries. Since then, various breastfeeding support and awareness events have launched, including the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee’s (USBC) declaration of August as National Breastfeeding Month in 2011.
August’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month aims to spotlight the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding and encourages conversations about policy and practice changes needed to ensure education, acceptance, and support. The 2026 National Breastfeeding Month theme is RISE: Resilience, Interdependence, Self-Determination, Empowerment.
“This year’s theme was crafted to capture the heart and strength of the First Food field. Each word in the acronym was chosen to highlight our network’s strengths as we advocate for the policy, systems, and environmental changes necessary to create a landscape of breastfeeding support for every family. Our image centers the sunrise, embodying the enduring spirit of our community.” – U.S. Breastfeeding Committee’s (USBC)
Weekly Observances During Breastfeeding Awareness Month
Throughout August’s annual breastfeeding month, there are different observances each week.
World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7)
Established in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, World Breastfeeding Week commemorates the Innocenti Declaration and is dedicated to protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding around the world. Since its launch, the campaign has expanded to more than 120 countries, highlighting a specific theme each year. The 2026 theme is Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.
Indigenous Milk Medicine Week (August 8–14)
Created in 2019 by the Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective, Indigenous Milk Medicine Week occurs every August. Originally named Native Breastfeeding Week, this observance within National Breastfeeding Month aims to encourage and uplift the diversity of Native breast/chestfeeding experiences and celebrate their Milk Medicine journeys. The 2026 theme is We Keep the Fires Lit: Rising Through Milk Medicine.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week (August 15-21)
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Breastfeeding Week was created in 2021 by the Asian Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Task Force. This observance’s mission is to “decrease inequities and normalize chest/breastfeeding” in AANHPI communities by improving breast/chestfeeding education and support practices. The 2026 AANHPI Breastfeeding Week theme in 2026 is Better Data, Better Care for AANHPI Families.
Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25–31)
Established in 2014 by Black leaders from the breastfeeding field, Black Breastfeeding Week was developed to address and combat the high black infant mortality rate, lack of diversity in the lactation community, and other cultural barriers experienced by Black women. The week-long observance includes initiatives and efforts that support breastfeeding among Black families. The 2026 Black Breastfeeding Week theme is We All We Got.
Workplace Lactation Week (September 1–7)
Workplace Lactation Week, although celebrated in September to align with Labor Day, is also part of National Breastfeeding Month. The coordination of this observance around Labor Day was intentional, as it recognizes the dual responsibilities of working and pumping. Established in 2022, the goal of Workplace Lactation Week is to provide support for and champion truly supportive and lactation-friendly work environments for all. This year’s theme is: Work. Pump. Advance. Empowering the modern parent.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby
Breastfeeding provides a wealth of benefits for both baby and mom. Breastfeeding moms give their precious babies ideal nutrition at birth and beyond, including sharing antibodies. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses. Research has shown that babies who are breastfed during the first 6 months of life are more resilient to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and ear infections.1,2 Studies have also shown that very early skin-to-skin contact and suckling may have physical and emotional benefits as well.3 And the beautiful thing about breastmilk is that it adjusts with babies’ growth, changing to meet their nutritional needs. Breastfeeding helps establish a strong foundation of healthy eating for children, supporting proper nutrition and development in the first months of life and beyond.
Breastfeeding has benefits for mom, too! Studies support that breastfeeding can reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. 4,5 It’s also convenient, allowing anywhere, anytime feeding.
Common Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Although breastfeeding is natural, it’s not always simple and easy. It requires practice and patience, and some challenges can arise. However, with education and support, they are surmountable. The following are common challenges breastfeeding moms may face.
Congestion of the Breasts
When your breasts are swollen and full of milk, they may feel heavy, tight, sore, and sensitive. This is known as congestion of the breasts or breast engorgement. It is caused by an accumulation of milk, blood, and lymphatic fluid, and can commonly occur during the first few days after birth when milk “comes in”, or anytime milk removal is delayed. However, frequent breastfeeding or pumping usually relieves the discomfort.
Nipple Pain
Nipple pain is quite common, especially when moms first start breastfeeding. It’s most commonly caused by an incorrect latch, shallow positioning, or friction. If you have cracked and sore nipples, try widening your baby’s latch or changing the position you’re using to breastfeed to ease pressure on the sore spot.
Plugged Breast Ducts
Plugged breast ducts occur when milk gets trapped in your breast ducts, which can make breasts feel sore, look reddened, or create a hard lump in the breast. Plugged breast ducts can often be relieved by gently massaging your breasts and expressing the milk by hand or with a pump.
Nipple Confusion
Generally, nipple confusion occurs when a baby has problems switching between a breast and a bottle. Signs of nipple confusion might include difficulty breastfeeding after giving a bottle or vice versa. When possible, experts recommend holding off on bottle-feeding until a solid breastfeeding routine has been established. However, if feeding issues persist, consult with a professional for help. For example, we offer feeding therapy as part of our pediatric therapy services, which includes helping moms and babies with difficulty latching to a breast or bottle.
Where to Find Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is a natural, healthy process that supports both mom and baby, providing health benefits and comfort. During National Breastfeeding Month, we celebrate the practice and advocate for acceptance and awareness about its many benefits. There are numerous places online and within your community where families can find guidance, including lactation consultants and trusted organizations dedicated to providing education and support.
Whether you are just getting started or navigating challenges along the way, having the right support while breastfeeding can make all the difference. If your child is experiencing feeding difficulties or you need additional support for children with special care needs, the team at KidsCare Home Health is here to help with tailored therapy services designed to compassionately support your child’s growth and development in the comfort of your home.
Contact KidsCare today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions: National Breastfeeding Month
When is National Breastfeeding Month?
National Breastfeeding Month is observed throughout the month of August in the U.S.
How long should you breastfeed your baby?
Breastfeeding and how long you breastfeed are personal choices. Health organizations like the CDC and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for at least 1 year. However, this can be longer if mutually desired by mom and baby.
What is the difference between National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week?
National Breastfeeding Month is a U.S. observance that occurs every August all month. World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign held annually from August 1 to 7.
What support is available for breastfeeding moms?
There is an abundance of support available for breastfeeding moms, including lactation consultants, pediatricians, peer support groups, hospital-based programs, community resources, and pediatric therapy services for infants with feeding challenges.
