August is Breastfeeding Month!
Governor Tony Evers has issued proclamations celebrating August as National Breastfeeding Month and three unique weeks highlighting the Indigenous, Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and Black communities. Human milk is the ideal first food and we’re proud to support efforts throughout Wisconsin to promote and support lactation for all families.
The National Breastfeeding Month 2022 theme is, “Together We Do Great Things!” This celebrates the power and impact of collective efforts. It aims to strengthen the capacity of all who can protect, promote, and support breastfeeding across all levels of society.
Policies, systems, and environments must align to help all families meet their infant feeding goals.
Learn more from the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee.
August 8-14: Indigenous Milk Medicine Week
Indigenous Milk Medicine Week 2022 (formerly Native Breastfeeding Week) centers on “Strengthening Our Traditions From Birth and Beyond.”
The week celebrates that Native breast/chestfeeding is a way to reclaim traditional feeding practices and body sovereignty.
Learn more about the Native Breastfeeding Coalition of Wisconsin and the Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective.
August 15-21: Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week
2022 marks the 2nd annual nationwide Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week.
This year’s theme is “Telling Our Own Stories. Elevating Our Voices.”
We celebrate the unique cultures within this diverse community and recognize that each family deserves the support they need and desire.
Learn more from the Asian & Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Task Force.
August 25-31: Black Breastfeeding Week
Black Breastfeeding Week 2022 is celebrating “10 Years, A New Foundation.” Lactation support must be built on racial equity and community engagement and empowerment. We applaud the champions across Wisconsin elevating the voices and leadership of Black families. Follow Black Breastfeeding Week for more information and events.
Recommended resources for breastfeeding and human milk feeding
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Breastfeeding
- United States Breastfeeding Committee
- American Academy of Pediatrics - Breastfeeding
- The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding (2011)
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
- Wisconsin Breastfeeding Coalition
- Wisconsin Association of Lactation Consultants
- Well Badger Resource Center
Related programs
The Division of Public Health includes lactation support efforts through multiple programs and funding sources. Visit these program pages for more information.
