National Breastfeeding Month in the United States is observed annually in August. This month-long observance aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, promote supportive policies and practices, and celebrate the efforts of organizations and individuals working to support breastfeeding families. The 2024 theme for National Breastfeeding Month is “Nourish, Sustain, Thrive.”

• The Benefits of Breastfeeding: An Overview – The Cleveland Clinic outlines the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding, including lower risks of certain diseases for babies, such as infections, asthma, and obesity. For mothers, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and postpartum depression. The article also emphasizes the nutritional benefits of breast milk and its role in supporting the baby’s immune system.
• Breastfeeding by the Numbers – The CDC maintains the most recent comprehensive report on breastfeeding rates in the United States. The report includes statistics on if, how, and for how long babies are breastfed in the US. 
• Common Breastfeeding Challenges and What You Can Do About Them – The Office on Women’s Health provides breastfeeding troubleshooting suggestions related to milk supply, infections, and more. 
• Find or Donate Breast Milk – The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) oversees a network of nonprofit milk banks across North America. Their website provides a list of member milk banks where people can donate or receive pasteurized donor human milk.
• Breastfeeding Stories – Three moms share unique breastfeeding experiences.

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held every August in the United States. The primary goal of NIAM is to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, and to encourage individuals to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations.

• The State of Immunization in the US – The latest data available on US immunization trends related to COVID 19, influenza, and recommended childhood immunizations. 
• Recommended Vaccines by Age – From birth to 60+, the CDC outlines all recommended immunizations and associated safety and efficacy information. 
• Low-Cost Vaccines for Uninsured Adults – Vaccines can be expensive without insurance. Luckily, there are low to no cost options. 
• The Vaccines for Children Program – The federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. Learn how to get your child vaccinated here.
• Where to Go to Get Vaccinated – Find vaccine locations near you using the CDC’s searchable location finder.

Women’s Equality Day is an annual observance in the United States that commemorates the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. It is celebrated on August 26th each year.

• Exercise Your Right to Vote! – Make your voice heard and honor the women who fought for your right to vote. Check out our 4Her2024 GOTV Campaign resource page. 
• Women’s Equality Day Historical Resources and Observance Ideas – Courtesy of the National Women’s History Alliance. 
• Gender Gains and Gaps in the US Labor Force and Leadership Positions as of 2024 – Many of these facts will surprise you (and we still have a long way to go).  
• Why Women’s Rights Are Vulnerable in America – Learn more about some of the systemic issues prevention full equality for women in the US.
• Is the US a Good Country to Be a Woman? – Ms. Magazine compares the US to the global landscape using key metrics like security, health, income, etc.

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