August is National Breastfeeding Month. In 2024, the theme will be “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive.” I grew up hearing my grandmother say, “Breast is best.” She also claimed that any amount of time breastfeeding, no matter how short, would be best for the baby and that it was always the right temperature.
New moms want to know how to meet the needs of a baby through breastfeeding. It’s simple: eat a well-balanced diet, like how you ate while pregnant. You may still need a few more calories for energy and to produce milk. Don’t forget to eat your fruit and vegetables along with calcium-rich foods. You will not likely eat anything that produces an allergic reaction in your baby. However, you can check with your doctor should you have concerns.
CredibleMind has a breastfeeding Podcast Series called The Boob Group: Judgment-Free Breastfeeding Support. They support parents who are passionate about providing breast milk to their babies. Each week, a group of experienced moms openly discuss their success, struggles, and society’s impact on how they feed their babies. The show helps guide listeners by providing an honest, natural, and judgment-free approach to breastfeeding, pumping, milk sharing, and more.
Many organizations have made breastfeeding friendlier by instituting policies that support parents and families. The University of Arizona has added family-friendly spaces and several lactation spaces on campus.
Family-Friendly Resources on Campus
Childcare Choice
The University of Arizona offers up to $2,000 in reimbursements for qualified childcare expenses for benefits-eligible employees and students.
Back-Up Care Program
Back-Up Care services are available when there is an unexpected interruption in your regularly scheduled care for children, adults, and/or elders.