Each year in August, breastfeeding advocates around the country come together to celebrate National Breastfeeding Month through community outreach and education. Breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby in those crucial first months as it can protect against disease and illness. In fact, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusively breastfeeding during a baby's first six months. Although August is considered National Breastfeeding Month as a whole, the month is further broken down into weeks based on specific demographics when health disparities exist.
When is National Breastfeeding Month?
Resources for breastfeeding parents are available
Setting yourself up for breastfeeding success begins long before baby's arrival. When choosing a pediatrician for your infant, it's a good idea to make sure both you and your baby's doctor are on the same page when it comes to breastfeeding. Ask questions and get a feel for how the pediatrician approaches nursing before you make your final decision on a provider.
Linda Smith, an Ohio-based lactation consultant, suggests starting a conversation with a prospective health care provider around nursing to gauge their level of support.
"I might ask what resource the doctor would consult, or to whom he or she would refer me for a breastfeeding-related problem or question," the La Leche League leader suggested in an inteview on the La Leche League International website.
“We can’t expect doctors to know everything about breastfeeding, but we can expect them to consult expert resources and, if there is a problem, to refer clients to an LLL Leader or International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC),” Smith explained in an interview on the
If you're looking for resources to help with breastfeeding, are having difficulty breastfeeding, or just need information so you can support someone who is breastfeeding, countless resources exist. Whether it's helpful apps for breastfeeding moms or tips on what to say when someone you care about is struggling with breastfeeding, National Breastfeeding Week is the perfect time to tap into the wide variety of resources available.
Live, Love Latch
Hosted by LaLeche League International, this yearly event takes place sit-in style across countries where parents and their babies come together to celebrate nursing; locate a Live, Love Latch event near you.
WIC
Provides comprehensive support both online and in-person for those seeking breastfeeding resources.
IBCLC Lactation Consultants
Provide ongoing support to families who are breastfeeding.
Milkology
Provides online courses, downloadable resources, and checklists for nursing families.
Dona International
Connects nursing moms with breastfeeding doulas for a more hands-on supportive approach.
It is important to note that breastfeeding is not always right for every family.
"I did not love breastfeeding. I breastfed my son for a year, and, although I loved the bonding time, breastfeeding itself was never something I really enjoyed," Sarah G. told UNC Health.
"The best advice I can offer new moms struggling with breastfeeding is to see a professional sooner rather than later, and if breastfeeding just doesn’t work for you, that’s ok too," she shared. "Don’t force it. Your child will be happy, healthy, and loved, no matter how he or she is fed!"
