Indigenous Milk Medicine Week is about celebrating Native breastfeeding experiences. It’s a time to share stories, offer support, and pass along knowledge that has been part of communities for generations.
This work brings together Indigenous breastfeeding counselors, community health nurses, lactation consultants, healthcare providers, and breastfeeding parents. Together, they help protect and strengthen these important traditions.
Why this work matters
Although breastfeeding rates in the U.S. have gone up in recent years, not every community has the same support or resources.
In some Native communities, parents may have a harder time starting or continuing breastfeeding. This can be because of fewer local resources and support or past events that disrupted traditions. When families get the right kind of support, they’re more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals and feel confident along the way.
Why is breastfeeding good for babies and families
Breast milk is the best food for babies in the first year of life. It helps them grow strong and stay healthy. Some of the benefits include:
- The right mix of nutrients for growth and development
- Antibodies that help protect against sickness
- Healthy fats for brain and eye development
- Lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (also called SIDS)
- Easy for babies to digest
- Always ready and the right temperature
Breastfeeding also supports a parent’s health and can lower the risk of certain health problems later in life.
Keeping traditions strong
For many Native families, breastfeeding is more than just feeding. It’s also a way to connect with culture, honor family history, and build a healthy future for the next generation. By making sure families have access to culturally respectful support, more parents can continue these important traditions and share them with their children.
To learn more about breastfeeding, check out our Breastfeeding Guide for tips on holding your baby, using a breast pump and storing breast milk safely.