FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Wes Stubblefield, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, (256) 340-2113
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) encourages breastfeeding as a proven strategy that builds a foundation for lifelong health and wellness. The department will observe the month of August as National Breastfeeding Month and August 1-7 as World Breastfeeding Week 2025.
Health professionals agree that breastfeeding and human milk are the optimal form of nutrition for infants. Breastmilk protects against a variety of diseases and conditions, promotes bonding between mother and child, and provides food security to infants from the very beginning of life. The support of family and friends, the healthcare system, and the community are also essential in helping the mother succeed at breastfeeding.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is encouraged, except in cases where there are medical reasons to avoid it. Solids are introduced at six months, along with continued breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as only breastmilk and no solids or other liquids. In addition to its many health and nutritional advantages, breastfeeding provides economic and emotional benefits, so it contributes to food security for the whole family.
There was an increase in annual breastfeeding initiation from 68.6 percent in 2019 to 75.9 percent in 2022 (1) in Alabama. The Black breastfeeding initiation rate notably increased from 55.5 percent in 2019 to 64.7 percent in 2022, while the white breastfeeding initiation rate also increased from 75.2 percent in 2019 to 80.7 percent.
A major goal of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is to improve the nutritional status of infants, and human milk provides the most complete form of nutrition for infants. ADPH programs, including WIC and the State Perinatal Program, offer services and resources to support breastfeeding families. Alabama WIC participants receive breastfeeding education as part of their prenatal care and after delivery enrollment. Breastfeeding support groups, peer counseling and advanced breastfeeding assessment and counseling may also be available through local WIC clinics.
Breastfeeding women receive an expanded WIC food benefit package and remain eligible to participate in WIC for up to 1 year. Breastfeeding aids, such as breast pads and breast pumps, may also be available, as indicated by participant needs. The State Perinatal Program supports breastfeeding families as part of comprehensive efforts to decrease infant morbidity and mortality in Alabama. Families can access numerous Perinatal Program and WIC Program resources through the ADPH website.
Public Law 102-342, the Homeless Children Nutrition Improvement Act of 1992, focused on breastfeeding promotion and support. The law required the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a national breastfeeding promotion program to promote breastfeeding as the best method of infant nutrition, foster wider acceptance of breastfeeding, and assist in the distribution of breastfeeding equipment.
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8/4/25
1 Source: Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health Services, based on vital records data obtained from the Center for Health Statistics
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.