World Breastfeeding Week | National Breastfeeding Month | Indigenous Milk Medicine Week | AANHPI Breastfeeding Week | Black Breastfeeding Week | Semana de La Lactancia Latina | General
While we celebrate breastfeeding this August, we hold space for ALL infant feeding journeys. We need to do everything we can to support infant nutrition and food security, including ensuring access to lactation support, supplies, and accommodations, donor milk, and, access to infant formula.
Follow 1,000 Days on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram throughout the month!
About
This Inspiration Guide is a living document, providing an open-source, unbranded library of content for a community of organizations using social media to promote, protect and support breastfeeding for World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 – 7), National Breastfeeding Month (U.S. - August) and beyond.
How to use
The messaging included within this inspiration guide is meant to be used throughout the month of August across social platforms, along with the proposed graphics and/or other general breastfeeding imagery. Each graphic within this guide is downloadable. To save, right click and select Save As.
We've included both general breastfeeding content as well as messaging geared towards specific topics, depending on the weekly schedule. We encourage you to use content related to each week's theme.
World Breastfeeding Week | August 1-7
Theme: Enabling Breastfeeding – Making a difference for working parents.
Organizers: World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)
Hashtags: #WBW2023, #WABA, #breastfeeding, #SDGs, #worldbreastfeedingweek2023, #EmpoweringParentsCampaign, #EnablingBreastfeeding #MakingADifference, #WarmChain
Follow along on Twitter and Instagram.
Messages:
- Breastfeeding promotes improved child survival, women’s and children’s health, and human capital outcomes.
- Though breastfeeding is one of the best ways to protect newborns from malnutrition, infections, disease, and death, today just four out of ten babies around the world are exclusively breastfed.
- Exclusive breastfeeding is essential for a healthy start in life for all infants and children.
- Workplace challenges remain the most common reason for women to never initiate breastfeeding or stop breastfeeding earlier than recommended. That's why policies, programs and actions to enable breastfeeding make such a difference.
- When mothers return to work, breastfeeding rates strongly decrease due to the unavailability of lactation facilities, the distance between home and the workplace, and decreased milk production during working hours. [Source: https://bit.ly/3QkIDdX]
- With 47.1% of women globally participating in the labor force, women need adequate time and support to breastfeed in the workplace. [Source: https://bit.ly/3QlrDEG]
- Women with less than 3 months of maternity leave reported shorter breastfeeding duration than those who had more time. Access to paid parental leave is a critical support.
- A workplace needs adequate breastfeeding facilities, like breastfeeding rooms that are clean, comfortable, and safe, with adequate space and privacy, to become a breastfeeding-friendly workplace. Only 42 countries worldwide mandate workplace breastfeeding facilities.
- Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding addresses inequities that stand in the way of sustainable development.
- Providing breastfeeding counseling immediately after birth, and scaling up breastfeeding support, is vital to saving children from malnutrition.
- Breastfeeding lays the foundation for moms, babies and families to survive and thrive.
- Protecting breastfeeding is one of the best investments for saving lives and improving the health, social and economic development of individuals and nations around the globe.
- Investing in breastfeeding is one of the best investments a country can make. A US$1 investment in breastfeeding yields US$35 in economic returns in low- and middle-income countries. [Source: https://bit.ly/3qa8b2S]
- Providing breastfeeding support in low- and middle-income countries is critical, especially now as many countries are being impacted by the global food and malnutrition crisis due to conflict, climate shocks and stressors, increasing food costs, and the pandemic.
- In 12 countries affected by the global food and malnutrition crisis, the estimated number of acutely malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls increased by 25% between 2020 and 2022. [Source: https://uni.cf/3KpWbRJ]
- We must develop regulations and programs to expand access to quality breastfeeding counseling and support before, during, and after childbirth.
- New Global Breastfeeding Collective event for #WBW2023! Hear about country experiences of improving exclusive breastfeeding through better maternity protection, find tools for advocacy and hear about how we can all help make breastfeeding work. Sign up: https://www.globalbreastfeedingcollective.org/lets-make-breastfeeding-work
Graphics
Sized for Instagram and Facebook
Sized for Twitter
2023 National Breastfeeding Month
Theme: This is Our Why
The 2023 NBM theme will help shine a light on why amplifying the need for breastfeeding support is so important and center the conversation on the babies and families who need our support. Celebrate mothers and lactating parents and work to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and human milk feeding for the 13th annual National Breastfeeding Month this August!
Download the logo in Spanish here.
Organizers: United States Breastfeeding Committee
Hashtags: #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth #ThisIsOurWhy
General NBM Messages
- It’s National Breastfeeding Month! Visit the USBC NBM webpage for information, key links, and to download the official NBM logo in both English and Spanish: https://bit.ly/3r2Ox8X #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- August is National Breastfeeding Month, and this year’s theme is “This Is Our Why.” Learn how you can join the celebration and take action to support human milk feeding and breastfeeding families at https://bit.ly/3r2Ox8X #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- The 2023 National Breastfeeding Month theme, This Is Our Why, celebrates the many reasons why protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding and access to human milk is important to each of us. https://bit.ly/3r2Ox8X #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- National Breastfeeding Month is just one of many events and celebrations each August working to eliminate the barriers to human milk feeding. Learn more about weekly observances during the month and their organizers: https://bit.ly/3r2Ox8X #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month in a New T-Shirt! Wear the many reasons the support and protection of breastfeeding and human milk feeding on your new shirt. Browse the official limited edition t-shirts here: https://bit.ly/44S7ha1 #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
Take Action Messages
- When we speak together, our voices are amplified! Learn how you can take action during National Breastfeeding Month: https://bit.ly/3Jo3ZD4 #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Access to paid leave has a big impact on #breastfeeding rates. Take action this National Breastfeeding Month by calling on your legislators to create a national paid leave program by passing the FAMILY Act: https://bit.ly/43EUHtJ #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Policymakers are making decisions about the federal budget. We need your help to send the message that they need to invest in #breastfeeding. Take action: https://bit.ly/3MdjNZY #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- This National Breastfeeding Month, share why supporting lactation is important to you: https://bit.ly/42TbtVG #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- The United States is facing a maternal health crisis. Urge Congress to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus: https://bit.ly/41z4b8F #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Flight attendants and pilots still don’t have the right to workplace lactation accommodations under federal law, but the Air PUMP Act would close this gap. Urge Congress to protect all breastfeeding workers: https://bit.ly/44GpqHZ #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Share your story with us about the support that made a difference in your breastfeeding journey and the hardships that need to be addressed so that we can work together towards real change. Share your story: https://bit.ly/3hXCsNN #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Are you ready to get involved in efforts to remove the barriers to #breastfeeding? Find a coalition near you! Visit the USBC Coalitions Directory: https://bit.ly/3IkMmCz #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
Breastfeeding & Public Health Messages
- Did you know breastfeeding is good for moms, too? Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast and ovarian cancers. #ThisIsOurWhy #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Did you know? While 83.2% of infants start out breastfeeding, only 24.9% of babies are exclusively breastfed at 6 months of age. #ThisisOurWhy #NationalBreastfeedingMonth #NBM23
- Did you know? Breastfeeding keeps babies healthy by reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, asthma, leukemia, and infant mortality. #ThisIsOurWhy #NationalBreastfeedingMonth #NBM23
- Did you know? Investing in breastfeeding programs and policies is one of the best investments a country can make. Every $1 invested in enabling a mother to breastfeed generates $35 in economic benefits. #NationalBreastfeedingMonth #NBM23
Legal Protection Messages
- Federal law protects #breastfeeding and #lactation at work, in airports, in public buildings, and in insurance policies. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3pwZFdS #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Employers: Federal law requires you to provide time and space for breastfeeding employees to pump at work. Support and information are available to help you comply: https://bit.ly/3I6U9E1 #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Do you have questions about your rights as a breastfeeding parent in the workplace? Contact one of these free and confidential legal helplines for support. A Better Balance: https://abetterbalance.org/get-help/; Center for WorkLife Law: https://pregnantatwork.org/gethelp/ #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Did you know: the #PUMPAct protects the right to reasonable break time and a private space for breastfeeding workers to pump during the workday. Learn more: http://dol.gov/pump-at-work #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Did you know: the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act gives pregnant, postpartum, and pumping workers the right to reasonable accommodations at work. Learn more: https://bit.ly/44Vw1hC #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth #PWFA
Helpful Resources Messages
- Looking for free, high-quality photos to use this National Breastfeeding Month? The USBC hosts a series of galleries that include diverse images of breastfeeding support in action. Find it here: https://usbreastfeeding.org/photo-project.html #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Do you have a women's health question or trouble with breastfeeding? Call the National Women's Health and #Breastfeeding Helpline 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Mon-Fri, at 1-800-994-9662 to talk with a health information specialist in English or Spanish. https://bit.ly/360Yq99 #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Wondering how families are supported in your state? Download your state or territory's #breastfeeding report: https://bit.ly/44TIan8 #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
- Are you interested in becoming a lactation support provider? There are many ways to gain the knowledge and experience you need to offer high-quality breastfeeding support. Visit our directory of lactation support training organizations to learn more: https://bit.ly/3HeYFBx #NBM23 #NationalBreastfeedingMonth
Graphics
Indigenous Milk Medicine Week | August 8-14
Theme: From the Stars to a Sustainable Future
This theme connects milk medicine to Mother Earth and the elements of water, land, fire and air. “From the stars” is a reflection for many of us, such as of our heavens, origins, and ancestors. A Sustainable Future involves respecting and protecting all life givers, including the elements of Earth, Wind, Fire and Water, in line with the teachings and foundations laid before us. Through breast/chestfeeding, Indigenous people can promote health, community, environment, and cultural traditions that contribute to a sustainable future.
Organizers: Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective
Hashtags: #IndigenousMilkMedicine #IndigyMilkHeals
Find more about virtual events here and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
2023 Illustration by Jackie Fawn
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week | August 15-21
Theme: Telling Our Stories, Elevating Our Voices!
Organizers: Asian & Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Task Force
Follow along on Facebook.
Black Breastfeeding Week | August 25-31
Theme: We Outside! Celebrating Connection & Our Communities
Organizers: Black Breastfeeding Week
Hashtags: #BBW23 #WeOutside #blackbreastfeedingweek
Semana de La Lactancia Latina | September 5-11
Theme: To be announced
Organizers: Semana de La Lactancia Latina
Follow along on Facebook.
General
Messages
The PUMP Act
- The Proving Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act was signed into law at the end of 2022. It expands the legal right to receive pumping breaks and private space to nearly 9 million more workers. Big win! https://bit.ly/3wfqxz2
- Thanks to passage of the PUMP Act, nearly all workers are now covered by the federal lactation break time and space requirements. https://bit.ly/3wfqxz2
Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
- Supporting breastfeeding is one of the most cost-effective interventions that countries, including the United States, can make to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Low rates of breastfeeding add more than $3 billion a year to medical costs for the mother and child in the US. [Source: https://bit.ly/2QMvJEj]
- Breastfeeding should be prioritized as a key component of a well-functioning and healthy society.
- Breastfeeding is unmatched for both mom and baby! 👶🏽 For babies: breastmilk helps build a strong immune system and protects against illness and disease, now and in the future. 🤱🏽 For moms: breastfeeding protects from high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
- From the day a baby is born, breastfeeding gives them the very best start to life—and the benefits reach far into the future.
- Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition and is tailor-made for babies, providing all the vitamins, proteins, and fats that they need for the first six months!
- Breastmilk also provides powerful antibodies that fight off illness, builds babies’ immunity, and provides probiotics that aid a baby’s digestion and help build a healthy digestive system.
- When it comes to brain development, breastmilk is nature’s superfood. Breastmilk has been shown to improve cognitive performance and have a positive impact on social-emotional functioning.
- The nutrition baby gets from mom through her diet in pregnancy and while breastfeeding is the fuel that drives much of the brain’s early incredible transformation and can have lasting effects throughout life.
- We all know there are numerous health benefits for babies when it comes to breastfeeding. But what about women and breastfeeding people? While breastfeeding provides nutrients to support the growth of babies, studies show that some cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are less common among women who breastfeed. Breastfeeding is a win-win for moms and babies!
Breastfeeding Supports
- To address barriers to breastfeeding, we need: Paid leave; Workplace supports and accommodations for pumping; Protection against exploitative marketing from infant formula companies; Breastfeeding support in WIC and other federal nutrition assistance programs; Access to breastfeeding and breastmilk feeding in early care/education programs
- All women should have access to qualified breastfeeding counseling and support, but socioeconomic and ethnic/racial inequities exist when it comes to breastfeeding, particularly among women of color and women of lower socioeconomic status.
- Almost 60% of women do not breastfeed for as long as they would like, and women of color are much less likely to meet their breastfeeding goals. Three quarters of Black infants are ever breastfed, which is below the national average of 83%. [Source: https://bit.ly/2QMvJEj]
- Culturally tailored breastfeeding information and familial and friend support and support groups can help reduce breastfeeding disparities as well as addressing work and school barriers to breastfeeding.
- Access to paid leave helps provide women with the time they need to establish and continue breastfeeding, benefiting the health of families. No mother should have to choose between providing for her family economically or offering nourishment for her baby through breastfeeding.
- When it comes to giving babies the healthiest start to life, breastfeeding is unmatched. But too many women face too many barriers to breastfeeding. This must change through societal changes, programs, and policies. Families need support to nourish their little ones.
- Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play.
- Supporting mothers to breastfeed throughout the 1,000-day window is critical to creating an environment that empowers ALL women to breastfeed.
- When women are informed, empowered and supported to breastfeed, the benefits extend to their children, to themselves and to society, as a whole.
Miscellaneous
- Breastfeeding is a universal solution that gives everyone a fair start in life.
- Breastfeeding lays the foundation for moms and babies to survive and thrive.
- We all have a role to play in supporting breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding is lifesaving, cost-effective and fundamental to building a better, healthier world.
- Breastfeeding is no easy feat—and when combined with the additional challenges that families face during crises and emergencies, it can seem nearly impossible. But it is possible with the right information and support.
Graphics
Sized for Instagram and Facebook
Sized for Twitter