August marks National Breastfeeding Month, and is dedicated to raising awareness, celebrating the benefits of breastfeeding, and advocating for policies and practices that support breastfeeding families. National Breastfeeding Month actually started as National Breastfeeding Week in the early 1990s.
Spearheaded by the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), National Breastfeeding Week was extended to a full month in 2011 to promote the health benefits of breastfeeding, raise public awareness, support breastfeeding families, and celebrate and empower moms.
Benefits & Challenges Of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both babies and parents. For infants, breast milk provides ideal nutrition, supports immune system development, and reduces the risk of various illnesses, from ear infections to obesity. For parents, breastfeeding can lower the risk of certain cancers, support postpartum recovery, and promote bonding.
Breastfeeding isn’t always possible or straightforward for every mother. Challenges like low milk supply, pain during nursing, medical conditions, or the need for certain medications can make breastfeeding difficult or unsafe. Postpartum depression can also affect whether mothers can breastfeed. Every family’s circumstances are different, but what matters most is that babies are nourished and parents feel supported, regardless of how they choose to feed.
2025 National Breastfeeding Month Theme
Each year, National Breastfeeding Month features weekly themes focused on equity, inclusion, and systemic change. The theme this year is Forward Together which emphasizes unity, solidarity, and hope, recognizing the collective strength of advocates, organizations, and systems advancing policy, structural support, and equitable access to human milk for all families.
Breastfeeding themes during August 2025:
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August (1st–7th)⎯World Breastfeeding Week
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August (8th–14th)⎯Indigenous Milk Medicine Week
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August (Aug 15th–21st)⎯AANHPI Breastfeeding Week
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August (Aug 25th–31st)⎯Black Breastfeeding Week
Finding Support For Breastfeeding
Lactation Consultants
Board Certified Lactation Consultants are experts in breastfeeding and can help with latching issues, milk supply concerns, and more.
Breastfeeding Resources
What Is The Best Bra For Breastfeeding?
Choosing the right bra during breastfeeding can make a big difference in your comfort, convenience, and overall experience. Designed for pregnancy and postpartum, the Larken X is an all-in-one nursing and pumping bra that is designed by moms, for moms. Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or doing both, the Larken X will support you throughout the day, and night. Learn more about the Larken X and how to find the right size!