August 2026: Breastfeeding Month

WHEREAS, breastfeeding is not a lifestyle choice, it is a racial equity and public health imperative and should be made feasible for every family; and,

WHEREAS, we must address systemic barriers to breastfeeding, including ensuring paid family leave, workplace support, and culturally appropriate breastfeeding support; and,

WHEREAS, breastfeeding and providing young children with human milk can result in improved child and maternal health outcomes and is a key disease prevention strategy for various conditions, including breast and ovarian cancers, serious colds and ear and throat infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, necrotizing enterocolitis, sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and leukemia - many of which disproportionately impact Black, Brown and Indigenous People; and,

WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics concludes that breastfeeding and human milk are the reference normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition; and,

WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months after birth, with continuation of breastfeeding for 2 years or longer as mutually desired by mother and child, a recommendation that is also supported by the World Health Organization; and,

WHEREAS, breastfeeding and providing human milk to young children is central to reclaiming traditional birth practices from the detrimental and ongoing impacts of colonialism and chattel slavery on Indigenous and Black communities; and,

WHEREAS, human milk feeding and milk expression in public are protected under the 2014 "Breastfeeding Anti-Discrimination Act" in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, just as everyone in society can benefit from breastfeeding and young children receiving human milk, so must everyone contribute to making breastfeeding and providing human milk to young children accessible to ensure a healthy future in Michigan;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, to hereby proclaim August 2026 as Breastfeeding Month in Michigan.