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Title:
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Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Declaring Intent
Purpose: Resolution Declaring the Month of August as National Breastfeeding Month
Additional Information:
Sponsor: Council Member-at-Large, Louise Scott-Rountree
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Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Declaring Intent
Purpose: Resolution Declaring the Month of August as National Breastfeeding Month
Additional Information:
Sponsor: Council Member-at-Large, Louise Scott-Rountree
body
WHEREAS, National Breastfeeding Month (NBM) was officially declared on August 6, 2011, by the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and advocate for supportive policies and environments for families and babies The month-long observance builds on World Breastfeeding Week, which was created in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action and is celebrated globally from August 1-7 The USBC coordinates NBM with weekly themes highlighting different communities, equity issues, and culturally responsive support for breastfeeding families; and
WHEREAS, Within National Breastfeeding Month, several specific weeks focus on diverse communities and cultural practices: World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7): Promotes breastfeeding globally and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; Indigenous Milk Medicine Week (August 8-14): Celebrates breastfeeding as a sacred cultural and biological practice among Indigenous communities; Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Breastfeeding Week (August 15-21): Highlights the diversity and shared commitment to healthy pregnancies and thriving families; Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25-31): Established in 2014 to address disparities in breastfeeding rates and support Black families. Other observances include Semana de La Lactancia Latina and initiatives for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, reflecting the growing recognition of unique barriers and cultural needs; and
WHEREAS, Breastfeeding has been a critical survival mechanism for humans and other mammals for millions of years, providing essential nutrition and immune protection. Historically, most women nursed their own children unless prevented by illness or death, with wet nurses employed in certain societies, particularly among royalty and the upper classes Industrialization and the rise of commercial infant formula in the 19th and 20th centuries led to a decline in breastfeeding, especially in Western countries, but advocacy and structural support have helped revive breastfeeding practices since the 1960s; and
WHEREAS, National Breastfeeding Month serves to: Educate the public about the health benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers; Advocate for policies that support breastfeeding, such as maternity leave and workplace accommodations; Celebrate cultural diversity and community-driven support systems that enhance breastfeeding access and equity. The observance emphasizes that breastfeeding is not only a personal choice but also a public health priority, linking historical practices with modern advocacy to ensure every child has access to the benefits of human milk.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. The month of August will be recognized as National Breastfeeding Month.
2. This Resolution is hereby ratified to the date of adoption of this authorizing resolution.
STATEMENT
Resolution declaring August as National Breastfeeding Month in the City of Newark.