Join Us to Celebrate August Breastfeeding Month with #BreastfeedingIs

August 1st marks the beginning of National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week, celebrating the benefits of breastfeeding for families in the U.S. and around the world. All month long we’ll be highlighting breastfeeding in different communities and how we can build a landscape of breastfeeding support.

In honor of the month, we’re launching a new campaign with the National WIC Association: #BreastfeedingIs. Join us by posting a selfie or a video on social media that explains what breastfeeding means to you! Whether you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding now, have done so in the past, or support others who breastfeed, we’d love to hear from you. Directions on how to get involved below.

Step 1. Write Down What #BreastfeedingIs to You

First, write down “Breastfeeding is ____” on a blank piece of paper and fill in the blank with one word that sums up what breastfeeding is to you. Some examples to help brainstorm: powerful, challenging, love, bonding, gratifying, a struggle.

Step 2. Taking Your Photo or Video

After writing your message on a notecard or piece of paper, hold it up to your face, then grab your phone and take a selfie! If you’d like the chance to explain your response further, we invite you to record a short video (<60 seconds) of yourself talking about what breastfeeding is to you.

Step 3. Social Media Language

The last step is the most important: Share your message on social media. Talk to people about your breastfeeding journey and/or why protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding matters to you! And remember — attach your photo or video and use #BreastfeedingIs when you post! Please also tag @1000Days (Twitter & Facebook) and @first1000days (Instagram) + @NatWICAssoc (Twitter & Instagram) and @NationalWICAssociation (Facebook).

If you’re not quite sure what to say, here are some messaging examples:

  • Join me along with @1000Days and @NatWICAssoc this National Breastfeeding Month in sharing what #BreastfeedingIs to you. [Attach your selfie]
  • This National Breastfeeding Month, I want to share what #BreastfeedingIs to me! @1000Days @NatWICAssoc [Attach your selfie]

Breastfeeding is a universal solution that gives everyone a fair start in life and lays the foundation for moms and babies to survive and thrive. We all have a role to play in supporting breastfeeding, and we hope you’ll join us this National Breastfeeding Month as a breastfeeding champion.