In a move to underscore the importance of breastfeeding and support for new families, Austin Public Health (APH) is celebrating National Breastfeeding Month under the banner of "Forward Together." This theme, aligned with the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee's initiative, draws attention to the cumulative progress needed to support breastfeeding families with better systems, according to the City of Austin's recent announcement.
The celebration isn't just a nod to the efforts made but a reaffirmation of APH's dedication to building sustainable, equitable support networks for breastfeeding throughout Austin and Travis County, as described on their website. In congruence with the theme set by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) for 2025, "Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems," the programming by APH includes a variety of services like the WIC program, which offers peer support and education, Mom’s Place Lactation Support Center, providing consultations and the Family Connects Austin/Travis County program, which ensures home visits by nurses after childbirth.
The standout feature of this celebration is the range of observances scheduled throughout August and September, highlighting the diversity among breastfeeding families. Weekly themes encapsulate specific focus areas, including World Breastfeeding Week, Indigenous Milk Medicine Week, and even the inaugural Deaf & Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week set for later in September. Each event underscores APH's commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment that tailors support to various communities, "Promoting Equity and Building Capacity," as their proclamation suggests.
Furthermore, APH's efforts are recognized with the USDA Breastfeeding Award of Excellence for their WIC program, embedded in their broader mission to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration. Family Connects and the Maternal Infant Outreach Program (MIOP) exemplify this integrated approach, which, alongside being lauded for its support, continues to serve as a gold standard with services such as one-on-one support and home assessments tailored to the particular needs of historically underserved populations. The City of Austin further vestiges this paradigm through its Mother-Friendly Worksite Workgroup, providing necessary support for breastfeeding employees in the workplace with flexible policies and private lactation spaces, among other amenities.
With an eye toward lasting change, APH not only marks National Breastfeeding Month with phases of celebration; it aims to educate and empower through provider education and community awareness initiatives. The weeks ahead are not just an occasion but a platform, inviting all of Austin to partake in a series of events that reflect not only the joy and diversity of breastfeeding but also on the serious, shared responsibility we hold in supporting our community's newest members and their families.
