Breastfeeding is one of the best ways you can support your new babies’ health and development. Yet, the percentage of babies under 6 months of age that are exclusively breastfed is just 48%. The barriers to breastfeeding are varied, including limited access to support, discrimination, and a lack of knowledge. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s National Breastfeeding Month?

👉 Official Name: National Breastfeeding Month
💚 Cause: Raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and support breastfeeding mothers
📅 Next Date: August 1-31, 2026
🌐 Official Website: https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.html
🐦 Hashtag: #NationalBreastfeedingMonth

Keep on reading to find out all the important information about National Breastfeeding Month at a glance, including its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About National Breastfeeding Month at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: National Breastfeeding Month is a time to celebrate the benefits of human milk to babies, as well as support and promote healthy lactating practices. National Breastfeeding Month is also a great time to raise awareness of the stigma that many mothers still face, particularly when breastfeeding in public. Throughout the month, numerous campaigns are launched with a different theme every year, kicking off with World Breastfeeding Week from August 1-7. 

2️⃣ Why it is important: Breastfeeding is essential for the health and survival of children because breast milk contains antibodies that help protect against numerous childhood illnesses. In fact, it’s estimated that 16% of child deaths every year are caused by inadequate breastfeeding. Most women wish to breastfeed their children however, the stigma and shame that still surrounds breastfeeding can make them feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, many mothers lack access to guidance and sufficient healthcare to support their breastfeeding efforts.

3️⃣ How you can get involved: You can get involved in National Breastfeeding Month by spreading awareness on social media to break the stigma surrounding breastfeeding. Alternatively, you can volunteer for a breastfeeding support organization, organize a local Latch On event, or purchase merchandise to support the cause:

1. Spread the word on social media: Share stories, information, and uplifting posts to support breastfeeding mothers and raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding using the #NationalBreastfeedingMonth hashtag.
2. Volunteer: Many breastfeeding awareness organizations are on the lookout for volunteers to help them support as many mothers as possible. So, consider reaching out to a local or national charity such as The Breastfeeding Network and Breastfeeding USA to offer your assistance.
3. Organize a Latch On event: Bring moms together in your local community to organize a Latch On event at a park or open space. Have a general discussion about breastfeeding and encourage each other to open up about your feelings. You can even consider turning this into a bigger event by inviting food and drink vendors and/or giving out breastfeeding bracelets or stickers to participants. 
4. Purchase to support: Purchase merchandise from the United States Breastfeeding Committee online store to help support breastfeeding mothers and vulnerable families. 

Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant for National Breastfeeding Month:

• Best Charities That Support New Moms
• Best Charities for Maternal/Postpartum Mental Health
• Best Charities That Fight Child Hunger

A Brief History of National Breastfeeding Month

When was this event established: August was officially declared by proclamation as National Breastfeeding Month in 2011 by the US Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) at a Baby Shower event held by Howard University Hospital and the DC Breastfeeding Coalition. Initial events included participation in the Big Latch On and a visit from the Latch On America cross-country bus tour to spread awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding. 

How has it developed since then: Today, National Breastfeeding Month is hosted by the US Breastfeeding Committee as an advocacy and outreach campaign involving member organizations, partner organizations, members of the public, and breastfeeding coalitions. The main aim is to spark a conversation surrounding the policy and practical changes needed to build a more inclusive society that supports breastfeeding mothers and their babies. The awareness event focuses on a particular theme each year, with past themes including “Support Changes Everything” and “This is Our Why”.

3 Interesting Facts About National Breastfeeding Month

1. The Breastfeeding Movement: Prior to the formation of National Breastfeeding Month, there was already a growing movement to raise awareness of breastfeeding and support breastfeeding mothers. It first began in 1946 with the creation of LaLeche League International which quickly became a global initiative dedicated to offering support and getting information out to the public about breastfeeding. Then, in 1981, the World Health Organization voted to restrict infant formula advertisements to increase the focus on breastfeeding.
2. Weekly Spotlights: Throughout August and even into September, breastfeeding awareness events are held around the world, starting with World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) and followed by other events such as Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week (August 15-21), Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25-31), and Workplace Lactation Week (September 1-7). 
3. Benefits of Breastfeeding: Multiple studies have shown that breastfeeding for at least the first 4-6 months of life is the best start for babies and can even have lifelong benefits. For example, breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer later in life, while also lowering the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular problems. 

Upcoming Dates of National Breastfeeding Month

National Breastfeeding Month is observed every year during the entire month of August.

Never Miss an Awareness Event Again

Sources

• WHO: Breastfeeding
• UNICEF: Global Breastfeeding Scorecard 2023
• USBC: National Breastfeeding Month
• National Library of Medicine: Breast Milk, a Source of Beneficial Microbes and Associated Benefits for Infant Health
• AproDerm: Breastfeeding and Stigma
• WABA: World Breastfeeding Week
• National Library of Medicine: Barriers to Breastfeeding in the United States
• The Breastfeeding Network: Volunteer
• Breastfeeding USA: Get Involved
• Global Big Latch On: Home page
• USBC: Online Store
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities That Support New Moms
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities for Maternal/Postpartum Mental Health
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities That Fight Child Hunger
• USBC: National Breastfeeding Month Proclamation
• USBC: Home page
• La Leche League International: Our Story
• La Leche League International: Home page
• WHO: International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes
• Breastfeed Durham: Why is AANHPI Breastfeeding Week Important?
• Black Breastfeeding Week: Home page
• Breastfeeding Perspectives: Workplace Lactation Week 2024
• District Health Department: National Breastfeeding Month
• National Library of Medicine: Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer
• American Heart Association: Breastfeeding reduces mother’s cardiovascular disease risk