By Kylie Spiro — Communications Coordinator for BAMSI
National Breastfeeding Month (NBM), observed annually in August in the United States, traces its history to the early 1990s. The celebration was initially established as National Breastfeeding Week until the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) expanded it to a month-long observance in 2011. This expansion raised awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby, including lifelong positive health outcomes and reduced infant mortality rates.
This year, the NBM theme, Nourish, Sustain, Thrive shines a light on protecting, promoting, and supporting lactation.
Breastfeeding has been proven to promote the growth and development of babies. It not only provides nutrients for physical and mental development, but it also helps protect children against disease and builds their immune systems.
Along with the fulfillment and connection women experience when breastfeeding their babies, there are also several health benefits for mothers:
- Helps mothers recover from childbirth more quickly
- Reduces the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease
- Releases prolactin (hormones that help regulate stress) and oxytocin (known as the “love hormone”)
Despite all the benefits of breastfeeding, it can be difficult to manage in today’s fast-paced world. So, how can you support mothers along their breastfeeding journey?
- Normalize breastfeeding: Encourage mothers to share their experiences, tips, or breastfeeding resources on social media. This can help moms feel more connected and supported.
- Educate others on the right to breastfeed at work: Federal laws require employers to provide “reasonable break time” for mothers to nurse in private areas during the workday.
- Inform the community: Connect with your local healthcare partners to share breastfeeding resources with your local library or businesses that are frequented by families.
Not sure where to start? BAMSI’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs offers new mothers support at every step of the way.
WIC is a public health program that benefits low- and moderate-income pregnant and parenting women and their families. BAMSI operates WIC programs in Brockton, Norwood, Quincy, Randolph, Stoughton, and Weymouth, more than 20+ towns on the South Shore.
WIC’s Breastfeeding Peer Counselors offer basic information and tips for breastfeeding, support when you have breastfeeding concerns, and help along your breastfeeding journey. Please call 508-588-8241 or visit wic.bamsi.org to learn more.
For more information on WIC and their Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, tune in to BAMSI’s Humanity First podcast next Tuesday to hear from Angela Brown, Nutritionist, BAMSI, on the services that WIC offers to women and children.
Community Voices for Health 