TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – August has been deemed “Kansas Breastfeeding Month” by Governor Laura Kelly.

World Breastfeeding Week is during the first week of August (Aug. 1-7) which also signifies the start of National Breastfeeding Month.

Gov. Kelly says in honor of World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month, she has signed a proclamation to declare this month as Kansas Breastfeeding Month across the state; to recognize the importance of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of Kansans, and stress the role Kansans have to make breastfeeding easier for parents.

Governor Kelly’s office claims more than 90% of Kansas families choose to breastfeed, but less than one in four infants in the state are primarily breastfed during the first six months of life. The governor believes a lack of support and barriers, specifically in the workplace, can be obstacles for parents who have chosen to breastfeed.

Some guidance offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests changes in policy to address the barriers parents face, including universal paid maternity leave and insurance coverage for “lactation support.”

“We know breastfeeding has many positive impacts,” Derik Flerlage, Director of KDHE Bureau of Family Health, said. “Strong statewide partnerships and community collaboration allow our programs to better serve the needs of Kansas families as they care for children during their critical first months.”

Gov. Kelly’s office says by providing breastfeeding support where families work and care for their children, the future of the mother and child’s health will improve.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC) have teamed up to promote the benefits breastfeeding can bring.

“We are extremely pleased with Governor Kelly’s proclamation, which highlights the importance of breastfeeding support for families in Kansas,” Brenda Bandy, IBCLC, Executive Director of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC), said. “This proclamation supports their decision and fosters a landscape of breastfeeding support in our state for the benefit of Kansas children and families.”

A 2023 report on the “State of Breastfeeding in Kansas” from the KBC shows the latest data along with action items and resources people, employers, childcare providers, healthcare professionals, and others can view and consider to support parents who have decided to breastfeed a child.

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