It’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month!
We know that talking, reading and singing to our little ones are all ways we can help their brain develop. But did you know that nutrition also plays a big part in their physical and cognitive development?
Breastfeeding is a great source of nutrition for most babies, and it lowers the risk of asthma, obesity, and Type 1 diabetes. Breastfeeding also benefits the birthing parent by lowering their risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
That is why this month, First 5 San Diego is partnering with UC Health Milk Bank to provide information on the benefits of breast milk, and information on donating and receiving donated breast milk. Check out their website for more information, and see below for additional resources:
- 2023 San Diego County Breastfeeding Resource Guide: A County resource that provides information on breastfeeding helplines, providers of lactation services, hospital breastfeeding services, general resources, ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) services and WIC offices.
- Support groups: There are free or fee-based groups throughout the County where moms can come together to offer support and share experiences with one another.
- WIC Support: WIC has a variety of services and support individuals who are pregnant, considering breastfeeding or breastfeeding.
We will also be celebrating and observing the following weeks this month:
- August 1-7: World Breastfeeding Week
- August 8-14: Indigenous Milk Medicine Week
- August 15-21: Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week
- August 25-31: Black Breastfeeding Week
- September 5-11: Semana de La Lactancia Latina