Urgent Call to Action for National Breastfeeding Month 2023
UPDATE: August marks the start of National Breastfeeding Month, and this year’s theme, “Forward Together,” emphasizes urgent action to support families in breastfeeding. The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and healthcare advocates are calling for immediate community, workplace, and policy support to ensure that all families have access to essential breastfeeding resources.
Breastfeeding is not just a choice; it is a significant public health issue. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition, enhances babies’ immune systems, and fosters a strong bond between mother and child. The data is compelling: breastfeeding reduces the risk of chronic illnesses and lowers the likelihood of breast and ovarian cancers in mothers. Notably, a study published in The Lancet reveals that for every 12 months a woman breastfeeds, her risk of developing breast cancer decreases by 4.3%.
Despite these well-documented benefits, many families still face barriers to breastfeeding. These include insufficient parental leave, lack of workplace accommodations, and prevalent misinformation. The urgent call during this month is to transform these challenges into supportive environments where breastfeeding is normalized and encouraged.
In a significant local initiative, the Cottonwood Extension District in Hays and Ellis County will hold a celebratory event on August 6, 2023, at 4 p.m. at the Hays Public Library. This event aims to highlight available breastfeeding support in the community, with refreshments provided for attendees. It serves as a vital opportunity for families to access information and connect with resources.
What can you do to support breastfeeding? Here are urgent actions you can take:
– Advocate for local breastfeeding-friendly policies and businesses.
– Demand paid family leave and appropriate lactation accommodations in workplaces.
– Share valuable resources with new parents, including La Leche League and local Breastfeeding Coalitions.
– Celebrate and support the breastfeeding journey of parents in your community.
This month, let’s unite to ensure that no family has to navigate breastfeeding alone. Join the movement to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding for all families.
For more information, please visit the official resources at worldbreastfeedingweek.org and usbreastfeeding.org.
Contact: Monique Koerner, Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District, at 785-628-9430 or [email protected].
This is a crucial moment to act—let’s come together to support breastfeeding and create a healthier future for our children.
