Breastfeeding has many health benefits for mother and children. Unfortunately, there are many challenges driven by inequitable practices and policies that prevent women from breastfeeding.
We must work together to develop solutions that encourage and support breastfeeding in our communities.

• Lack of knowledge

• Social stigma

• Lack of employer support

• Lack of access to health services

It is recommended that infants be solely breastfed for the initial 6 months and continue breastfeeding while incorporating solid foods for up to 2 years or beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child.

In our nation, only 35.9% of infants born in 2019 were breastfed to any extent at 1 year of age.

Baby Cafes are free, drop-in, informal breastfeeding support groups offering ongoing professional lactation care and intervention.

The Boston Healthy Start Initiative provides direct support to pregnant and parenting women, children, and families (care coordination, connection to resources, health education, and advocacy).

The Healthy Baby Healthy Child program provides free home visits for pregnant and parenting families in Boston.

The Boston Breastfeeding Coalition is a network of residents and organizations committed to improving access to breastfeeding support and promoting connections between individuals and organizations that promote breastfeeding.

The Massachusetts Breastfeeding Initiative supports breastfeeding families and provides technical assistance and training to healthcare professionals.

WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify.

Love Your Menses is a nonprofit organization in Boston offering postpartum education and support groups.