On August 6, 2011, the USBC officially declared that August is National Breastfeeding Month.
The 2020 National Breastfeeding Month theme is Many Voices United. Now, more than ever, we must come together to identify and implement the policy and systems changes that are needed to ensure that every family that chooses breastfeeding has the support and resources they need to succeed.
While 83 percent of U.S. infants receive breast milk at birth, only 25 percent are still exclusively breastfed at six months of age. Unequal access to breastfeeding supportive policies and environments have created persistent racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding initiation and duration. Our nation’s families deserve better. Together, we can forge a brighter future.
The USBC serves to amplify and support the efforts of the field. Click the links below to explore and engage directly with each week’s theme and host organization. Throughout the month of August, the USBC will host “NBCC Reimagined,” a robust series of webcasts that will be available on-demand and free of charge.
Week 1 (August 1-7): World Breastfeeding Week: Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet
Week 2 (August 9-15): Native Breastfeeding Week
Week 3 (August 16-24): Spotlight on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies
Week 4 (August 25-31): Black Breastfeeding Week: Revive. Restore. Reclaim
The USBC and the organizers of World Breastfeeding Week, Native Breastfeeding Week, and Black Breastfeeding Week hosted a virtual panel presentation on Tuesday, June 23. Presenters shared event origins, 2020 themes, and how to get involved in August and beyond. The session included an opportunity for questions, idea sharing, and general discussion with event organizers. This session was hosted as part of the USBC Collective Impact Webinar series.
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