Every year from August 1 to August 7, people around the globe celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). Coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), this annual campaign raises awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and works to support breastfeeding people while normalizing the practice.

The Many Benefits of Breastfeeding 

There’s a reason breast milk is called liquid gold! It contains hormones and antibodies that fight infection, and many experts believe breastfed babies may experience fewer health problems. Also, breast milk packs just the right amount of protein, sugar, fat, and vitamins infants need to thrive. It’s the foundation of lifelong good health.

In addition, breastfeeding has many benefits for moms too, including lower anxiety, increased bone strength, and decreased risk of heart disease.

Whether you’re nursing or you just want to show your support for breastfeeding, here are eight ways to celebrate WBW.

1. Find the Right Bra Fit

Since nearly 80 percent of women wear a bra that doesn’t fit properly and bra size can change over time, WBW is a great time to measure (or remeasure) yourself. All you need to find the right size is a cloth tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Check out this video for a quick tutorial, and find out your current bra size!

The right bra can make a world of difference by helping you maintain better posture, which reduces back and neck pain. Once you’ve found your correct bra size, encourage your friends to measure themselves too!

Read more about finding the right fit and the perfect nursing bra. And for all you pumping moms searching for the perfect pumping bra, check out our Sublime® Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra!

2. Participate in the Global Big Latch On

Held on August 6-8 (the weekend of World Breastfeeding Week), The Global Big Latch On is celebrated across the world, and like last year’s event, this year’s event will be virtual.

During The Virtual Big Latch On, moms breastfeed or express breast milk simultaneously, and participants are counted in the hopes of setting a new record.

The goals of The Big Latch On are to remove the stigma around breastfeeding, raise awareness of the benefits of breast milk, and provide a place for moms to build a support community.

Learn more about The Big Latch On and sign up for a virtual gathering here.

3. Share Your “Brelfies”

The rise of the “brelfie” (breastfeeding selfie) has been endorsed by none other than the World Health Organization. The United Nations called brelfies “a good way to break down any stigma about breastfeeding in public and spread the word about the importance of mother’s milk.” We agree.

If you’re a mom who pumps or hand expresses, you can participate by sharing images of yourself pumping or photos of the liquid gold you express.

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook with hashtags like #brelfie, #brelfies, and #bravebrelfie to share your journey.

4. Thank a Nursing Mom

If you know a mom who’s nursing, make her day by writing her a message, commenting on a photo or post where she talks about breastfeeding, or sending her an old-fashioned card by mail. If you were a breastfed baby, thank your own mom!

If you’re a mom who pumps or nurses, don’t forget to take a moment to acknowledge the amazing work you’re doing to provide your baby the best nutrients possible (and maybe even treat yourself to a new nursing bra).

5. Find Time to Rejuvenate

Love these joggers? Check them out!

A supportive community is essential for a successful breastfeeding experience—and so is self-care. Nursing and pumping are physically and emotionally demanding. Fortunately, there are many ways to rejuvenate.

Try to make it a priority to find quiet time to relax and reflect. Spend some time away from the rest of the world by unplugging from social media and turning off your phone and TV. Relish those moments of bliss while you nurse, and enjoy the time with your little one.

6. Talk About Your Breastfeeding Experience

Breastfeeding rates in the US are rising, but only a little more than 50 percent of babies are still nursing at six months, and only one-third make it to one year.

Women in the US often don’t have the same support systems as women who live in other countries. By sharing your journey, you can help normalize breastfeeding for other people.

7. Join a Local Breastfeeding Class or Support Group

If you’ve struggled to get your baby to latch, you're worried about breast milk production, or you’d just like to be around other breastfeeding moms, look to the breastfeeding support systems within your local community. (You can also check out Supply Support and Milk Flow from our sister brand.) 

Many hospitals and birthing centers offer breastfeeding classes and access to lactation consultants, who are trained to troubleshoot any problems and help make breastfeeding easier on both you and your child.   

If in-person instruction isn’t possible, consider taking an online breastfeeding class from the safety (and comfort) of your own home. These classes typically have videos that illustrate proper positioning and technique. During Covid-19, many IBCLCs are also offering telemedicine appointments for breastfeeding support.

If you’re having breastfeeding challenges, rest assured there are many resources out there to assist you.

8. Feed Your Baby

Check out this organic cotton nursing tee!

You saw this one coming, right? The absolute best way to celebrate this week is to nourish the baby you love! No matter how you’re feeding your baby, you’re doing an amazing job, and you should celebrate all you do!

Need more inspiration? Join our Facebook Group KindredMamas and follow our Pinterest board for more ways to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week.