News

Aug 01, 2022

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) will be celebrated Aug. 1-7 this year. Breastfeeding has many known health benefits for mother and baby and is widely accepted as an effective strategy to promote positive health outcomes for both mothers and their babies. Research suggests that breastfeeding is a key factor in reducing risk of disease for both mothers and infants, including respiratory illness, ear infections, allergies, and some cancers. A woman’s early experience with breastfeeding can affect whether and how long she continues to breastfeed, and providing support at every level can help reduce barriers to breastfeeding.

This year, Ohio will adopt the theme “Step Up For Breastfeeding: Educate and Support.” This theme focuses on the role we all play in the survival, health and well-being of all, and the work we do to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding worldwide. 

Learn more at https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/Breastfeeding.