By MONIQUE KOERNER
Cottonwood Extension District
August marks National Breastfeeding Month, a time to recognize and support one of the most natural and essential forms of infant nutrition.
Championed by the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and support by healthcare advocates nationwide, this month highlights the importance of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers—while calling for stronger community, workplace and policy support for families.
Breastfeeding is more than just a feeding choice. It’s a powerful tool for lifelong health and development.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding offers optimal nutrition, boosts babies’ immune system, reduces risks of chronic illnesses and fosters attachment between mother and child. Mothers also benefit with reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and postpartum depression.
According to an epidemiological study published in the The Lancet, breastfeeding is dose specific, which means the longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk for developing breast cancer. For every 12 months of breastfeeding, the risk of breast cancer goes down by 4.3%. This can be for one child or a combination of children.
Yet despite the well-documented benefits, many families face significant barriers to breastfeeding—from lack of parental leave and workplace accommodations to misinformation and social stigma.
The 2025 theme is “Forward Together” which emphasizes the importance of connecting families with evidence-based information, peer support and community networks. It’s a call to action for healthcare providers, employers, policy makers and communities to create environments where breastfeeding is normalized, encouraged, and supported.
What you can do
· Support local breastfeeding-friendly policies and businesses
· Advocate for paid family leave and lactation accommodations in workplaces
· Share resources with new parents such as La Leche League, Breastfeeding Coalitions, and Lactation Consultants
· Celebrate and support parents in your life who choose to breastfeed
Breastfeeding is a personal journey, but no one should have to do it alone. This National Breastfeeding Month let’s ensure that every family has the support they need to thrive—from the first latch to the last.
Join us to celebrate mothers and to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and human milk feeding for National Breastfeeding Month.
In Hays and Ellis County, Cottonwood Extension District will hold a celebration on August 6, 2024 at 4 p.m. during a Chamber Catch Up at the Hays Public Library. Come see what breastfeeding support in Ellis County is all about and help us celebrate breastfeeding in Ellis County. Refreshments will be served.
https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/ https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.html
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or [email protected].