August is National Breastfeeding Month. It’s a time to celebrate your lactation journey, support lactating families, and advocate for lactation support and rights. Each week has a theme selected by partnering organizations (see listing below).
Everyone’s infant feeding journey is unique and as an IBCLC Lactation Consultant, my primary focus is always to feed the baby while nourishing the family’s individual goals and well-being. However, I hear countless stories of families whose choices were limited due to a lack of support and lactation education. Often families can’t afford to hire a lactation consultant, the IBCLC support covered by insurance is difficult to access or the support options only allow for brief 15-minute appointments. When a person is struggling with nipple pain, low milk production, or needs to return to work outside of the home - they need support in a time-sensitive manner. This is why I wanted to highlight World Breastfeeding Week’s theme: Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All
World Breastfeeding Week was created in 1992 in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It’s celebrated around the globe every August 1 - 7. Providing human milk to babies can be life-saving - reducing the risk of childhood infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and premature mortality (Acta Paediatrica, 2015) and providing health benefits to the lactating parent and the environment. “Breastfeeding can act as an equalizer in our society and efforts must be made to ensure everyone has access to breastfeeding support and opportunities. It is essential that no-one is left behind especially vulnerable mothers who may need additional support to reduce breastfeeding inequalities.” (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action)
How can you help close the gap of support?
• Review WABA’s action folder and social media kit to learn more and share with your network.
• Talk with your workplace to ensure they support lactating families. Do they have pumping rooms? Are they aware of the PUMP Act which protects a person’s right to lactation breaks and space? Is the work environment supportive of working families? Do the insurance benefits cover lactation?
• Consider giving a gift certificate for lactation support as a baby shower gift
• Donate to organizations working to improve lactation-friendly legislation and support such as the California Breastfeeding Coalition or CA Work &
• Subscribe to the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee’s email list to stay informed on potential laws and actions to take.
• Join your local Breastfeeding Coalition. The Sacramento Breastfeeding Coalition meets virtually every 3rd Tuesday from 12:30 - 2 pm, The Placer County Breastfeeding Coalition meets virtually as well
• Donate Human Milk Here
Sacramento Events for National Breastfeeding Month:
• Black Breastfeeding Week Webinar highlighting Midwives & Lactation Support | Thursday, August 29, 11:30 am - 1 pm. (Details will be posted here)
• Empower & Nourish: Breastfeeding Education, Healing and Self-Care for the Black Community | Saturday, August 31, 10 am - 2 pm. The in-person event will include general lactation education, wellness, food, prizes, and representatives from community health providers. (Register here)
Local Organizations that Provide Lactation Support:
• Greater Sacramento La Leche League (nationally, La Leche League)
About Kavisa Wood
Kavisa Wood is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Prenatal & Vinyasa Yoga teacher, and business owner of Nourishing Justly. Kavisa has been a board member of the Sacramento Breastfeeding Coalition since 2020. She serves as the Secretary and is on the African American and the Karen Evon Memorial Fund subcommittees. She is a member of CBC's Lactation Action Network, International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®), and volunteers with Yoga Moves Us. Her work is centered around justice, health equity, and nourishing community well-being.
