Each year, National Breastfeeding Month is observed in the month of August and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting, educating, and empowering mothers and families on their breastfeeding journeys. National Breastfeeding Month was created to raise awareness about the unique challenges families face when it comes to breastfeeding while celebrating the strength, resilience, and traditions that have sustained generations.
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to promote the health and wellbeing of both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients that babies need during the first months of life, including proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies that help protect against illness.1 Research has shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, obesity, diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) among infants.1 For mothers, breastfeeding can help lower the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure.1
Nutrition plays an important role throughout pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding. A mother's body requires additional nutrients to support milk production and maintain her own health. While breast milk naturally adapts to meet a baby's nutritional needs, mothers benefit from consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy sources of protein, healthy fats, and other food sources that could provide an adequate nutritional balance.2
Key nutrients that support breastfeeding include the following:
Protein - Protein supports tissue repair after childbirth and helps meet the increased energy demands of lactation.3
Calcium - Calcium is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth for both mother and baby. It becomes even more important during the lactation stage. 3
Hydration - Staying hydrated is important for recovery overall, as it also benefits milk production.3
Despite the important benefits, significant challenges persist. Women of color in the United States are less likely to initiate breastfeeding and often face additional barriers to continuing breastfeeding.4 National Breastfeeding Month aims to address these challenges by heavily promoting education, advocacy, and community support.
DePaul’s Infant Empowerment Education Program (DIEEP) also aims to promote and advocate for breastfeeding, especially as it pertains to communities who are often faced with more challenges. DIEEP promotes breastfeeding support through education about breastfeeding legislation for working mothers as well as general promotion of breastfeeding in general. Additionally, DIEEP promotes better support for maternal mental health, which is also an essential cornerstone of maternal health care.
References:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/index.html
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9182711/
3. https://www.nutritionnews.abbott/pregnancy-childhood/prenatal-breastfeeding/postpartum-nutrition-tips-to-help-support-recovery/
4. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7021a1.htm
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