07/31/2026
August 1-7 is World Lactation/Breastfeeding/Bodyfeeding Week. And before I say or share anything else, I need to say a few things.
There can be a lot of stress around feeding your baby. But know this: however you feed your baby is right for you and your baby. We all know the biological benefits of human milk, and truly, they're incredible. Sometimes I want to shout from the rooftops about them! But they're not all we have to think about when deciding what's best for our families, and lactation is not necessarily the best choice (or a choice at all) for everyone.
So, for those parents who work so hard to make breastfeeding/chestfeeding work for them - you're doing a good job.
For those parents who pump and bottle feed, whether it's truly a choice or not - you're doing a good job.
For those parents who breastfeed/chestfeed for one day/one feed/one week/one month and switch to formula milk - you're doing a good job.
For those parents who feed donated human milk - you're doing a good job.
For those parents who feed formula milk right from birth (for any reason) - you're doing a good job.
For those who feed both human milk and formula milk - you're doing a good job.
For those who cannot or do not want to breastfeed/chestfeed (for whatever reason) - you're doing a good job.
No matter how you feed your baby, you are doing a good job.
(This photo is me nursing my youngest, 3 months shy of her 5th birthday.)