August is

Breastfeeding Month!  

Amanda Siddall

Breastfeeding Coalition Coordinator

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee recognizes this month as National Breastfeeding Month. The 2025 chosen theme Forward Together - centers unity, solidarity, and hope to celebrate the strength and determination of the organizations and advocates striving to advance policies, systems and environmental changes to improve access to human milk for all.  



Michigan also recognizes Breastfeeding Month with a theme of Pouring Into Us – More than nourishment, it’s love, life, and legacy sponsored by the Michigan Breastfeeding Network.  

Locally, the Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition is focusing their efforts to encompass both themes to honor both breastfeeding families and the professionals that support them. This year we are introducing the first Gratiot County Breastfeeding Duration Rate Survey, intended for any Gratiot County resident that provided any amount of breastmilk to their child (direct from breast, pumped milk, or donor milk) at any time from September 1, 2024 - August 31 2025. This survey was developed so that we can gather more detailed information about the experiences of breastfeeding families in Gratiot County. The information collected will support our efforts in promoting and supporting breastfeeding in our local community. Breastfeeding Basics, a quarterly in-person prenatal breastfeeding education class will be available for expectant families on August 13, and professionals throughout the region will gather together at Child Advocacy to expand their knowledge at the PQC Region 5 Lactation Training. The Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition will honor the month together at our monthly Coalition meeting and celebrate all that we have learned and accomplished this past year! 

Our efforts to support breastfeeding are not exclusive to August. Families are invited to receive support at any time from one of the many knowledgeable lactation professionals in our community. More information about our lactation services and related resources is available at gcbreastfeedingcoalition.com  

The Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition hosts monthly meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 4:30pm. Meetings alternate between a focus on educating our community, and planning for future promotion and duration strategies. If you are interested in becoming involved in the Gratiot County Breastfeeding Coalition, or would like more information about any of the lactation support services available in our community please email -

amanda@childadvocacy.net.