September 1, 2026 by Isaiah Warfield As we look forward to the start of a new month, September, it is important to acknowledge the educational recognition that was highlighted in August. Last month was National Breastfeeding Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about breastfeeding education, resources and support for families across our communities. It is also a time to recognize parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, community organizations and advocates who are working to create supportive environments to promote this health option. Healthcare providers report that breastfeeding provides significant health benefits for infants, including a lower risk of severe respiratory illness, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, obesity, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and other health factors. Annually nearly 1,200 babies are born at AHN Jefferson Hospital. Consequently, we are highlighting local resources and organizations working to ensure families have access to the education and support they need. Understanding Data & Local Impact Breastfeeding is common among U.S. families, but national data shows that breastfeeding rates decrease as infants get older. Approximately 84% of U.S. mothers initiate breastfeeding, yet only about 47% of infants are exclusively breastfed at 3 months and 27% at 6 months. Overall, about 57% of infants receive some breast milk at 6 months, with that number declining to roughly 35%–40% by 12 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced. Given that providing breast milk can benefit the health of an infant, access to education, lactation support, family and workplace support, and community resources can help families overcome barriers and reach their breastfeeding goals. Understanding these local and national trends is an important step toward creating communities where every family has the support they need to make informed feeding choices. Local Resources for Families AHN Jefferson Hospital: Provides breastfeeding education and support before, during, and after delivery. Families can receive prenatal education, including breastfeeding classes, and individualized support from nurses and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) during their hospital stay. Support includes breastfeeding education, feeding techniques, breast pump distribution when needed, and assistance tailored to each family’s needs. Jefferson also follows practices aligned with the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, including skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and support for early and exclusive breastfeeding when appropriate. Support continues after families leave the hospital. Jefferson offers a free weekly Nursing Café breastfeeding support group on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., as well as outpatient, one-on-one lactation consultations. Families can also call Jefferson’s Breastfeeding Support Hotline at 412-469-5475 with questions, concerns, or to schedule an outpatient consultation. Breastfeeding support services are available to everyone, regardless of where they delivered. Healthy Start: Supports families through breastfeeding education, direct support, and workforce development beginning during pregnancy. Families enrolled in its programs can receive breastfeeding coaching and supplies, including breast pumps and milk storage bags. Healthy Start also trains and supports peer counselors, Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), and IBCLCs, while intentionally engaging fathers and families in understanding the importance of breastfeeding support. Through the Healthy Start Center for Urban Breastfeeding, the organization works to address disparities in breastfeeding rates among African American mothers and babies and partners with the Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle to build a strong community network of support. Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank: The Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank is a regional nonprofit that provides pasteurized donor human milk to support the health of babies and families, particularly premature and medically fragile infants. Through its Donor Milk Program, AHN Jefferson Hospital partners with the Milk Bank to provide eligible infants with donor milk when medical supplementation is needed. This gives families who wish to breastfeed an alternative to formula while they work to establish their own milk supply. Visit Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank to learn more. Additional Resources Families can also access breastfeeding support through Allegheny County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle, and other community-based programs. Healthy Start’s LAtCH (Lactation Assessment and Counseling Home Support) Program provides free breastfeeding support to African American mothers in Allegheny County through in-home, virtual, and telephone services. These resources help ensure families have access to education, lactation support, and community connections beyond the hospital setting. For more information, visit Healthy Start Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Breastfeeding Hotline and WIC, or Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle. References American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Newborn and Infant Breastfeeding. Retrieved fromhttps://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/newborn-infant-and-early-childhood-nutrition/newborn-and-infant-breastfeeding/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infant Birth and Prenatal Care data. PolicyMap. Retrieved fromhttps://www.policymap.com/data/sources/centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-cdc-infant-birth-and-prenatal-care?sid=1 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Breastfeeding. Retrieved fromhttps://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/breastfeeding World Health Organization (WHO). Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Retrieved fromhttps://www.who.int/teams/nutrition-and-food-safety/food-and-nutrition-actions-in-health-systems/ten-steps-to-successful-breastfeeding
