What Concerns Me About National Breastfeeding Month

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If you’re in the U.S. or scroll through social media platforms frequented by Americans, you’ve probably noticed that it’s National Breastfeeding Month. How do I know? Because there are countless images of mothers nursing, popping up everywhere.

To be upfront, I didn’t breastfeed my three kids. It wasn’t due to inability or failure; it just wasn’t the right fit for me. I respect and admire the women who do choose to breastfeed, as it’s a significant physical and emotional commitment following a long pregnancy and delivery. I simply wasn’t prepared for that.

What I struggle to understand is this: Why do we dedicate a whole month to promoting breastfeeding on social media? Is raising awareness really necessary? I genuinely wonder because I can’t think of anyone in developed countries who is unaware that breastfeeding is preferable for infants. It makes me think that this month is less about educating moms and more about showcasing, “Look at me! I’m breastfeeding! Aren’t I amazing?”

I get that breastfeeding mothers often face criticism when they nurse in public, which I find baffling. Why anyone would find that offensive is beyond me. We live in a world full of people who have a hard time tolerating anything outside their comfort zone. Those who complain about kids being in restaurants or on planes are the same folks who frown upon public breastfeeding.

In that sense, I understand the importance of normalizing breastfeeding by doing it openly and without shame. But why is there an entire month dedicated to it while other healthy feeding practices don’t receive the same attention? Why not celebrate all feeding choices? Trust me, I know all too well that support should extend to every mother, regardless of how she chooses to feed her baby.

It seems like National Breastfeeding Month has shifted from its original goal of supporting mothers in need to something that feels like a subtle shaming tactic—not just toward moms who don’t breastfeed but toward any mother who doesn’t fit the ideal.

Mothers are already under immense pressure to make the right choices. A month filled with images of women making breastfeeding appear effortless doesn’t help those struggling to make it work, whether because of latch issues or physical pain. How does this help a mother who’s at her wits’ end?

And for those who choose not to breastfeed, whether due to preference or medical reasons, we know all too well that breastfeeding is highly recommended. We’ve heard it repeatedly, and we’ve made informed choices.

What about mothers living in poverty, you ask? Yes, they statistically breastfeed less. But does flooding social media with pictures of nursing mothers help those who may not even have internet access? Unless we’re physically reaching out to support them, it’s not effective. The decision to breastfeed is personal and should remain that way. And while formula isn’t the same as breast milk, it’s an FDA-approved alternative, and many healthy adults were bottle-fed.

Infant mortality due to inadequate nutrition is a real issue, and the stigma surrounding formula can lead some mothers to avoid it altogether, which is alarming.

The core idea behind National Breastfeeding Month—supporting women—is commendable, but the execution has turned divisive. It pits breastfeeding mothers against those who don’t, and it creates unrealistic comparisons.

Breastfeeding support seems to have become a competition, with underlying messages that shout, “Look at me! Aren’t I great for breastfeeding?” Comments like, “Everyone should at least try to breastfeed” can make this month uncomfortable for women like me.

Instead of marginalizing mothers based on their feeding choices, let’s celebrate all healthy options. Why not create a National I Feed My Baby Month? After all, what truly matters is that babies are healthy and well-fed.

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In summary, while National Breastfeeding Month aims to support mothers, it often creates division and pressure. Instead of focusing solely on breastfeeding, we should celebrate all healthy feeding choices for babies, fostering an inclusive environment for all mothers.