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City of Austin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Aug. 20, 2025
Contact: APH Media    
Austin Public Health Building with image featuring a baby.

Aligning with WABA’s 2025 Theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) proudly joins the national and global community in recognizing National Breastfeeding Month, under the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee’s theme: “Forward Together.” This call to action highlights the need for collective progress in building systems that truly support breastfeeding families.

In alignment with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) 2025 theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” APH reaffirms its commitment to building lasting, equitable and accessible breastfeeding support throughout Austin and Travis County. Sustainable breastfeeding support is not a one-time effort—it requires systems rooted in equity, inclusivity and community.

Sustaining Breastfeeding Support in Austin

APH’s programming centers sustainable support by offering services tailored to the diverse needs of families across Austin:

WIC Program: Peer Support and Education

The APH WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program delivers consistent breastfeeding support through education, one-on-one counseling and ongoing resources. Services include:

  • Breastfeeding Peer Counselors.
  • Access to Lactation Consultants.
  • Virtual classes and online resources.

This year, APH WIC was honored with the USDA Breastfeeding Award of Excellence for exemplary promotion and support, a recognition of its commitment to improving breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Mom’s Place Lactation Support Center

Established in 1994, Mom’s Place remains a vital resource for families across Austin. Staffed by Registered Nurses, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), and Peer Counselors, Mom’s Place offers:

  • Lactation consultations.
  • Baby weight checks.
  • Education for families and training for healthcare providers.

Mom’s Place exemplifies a sustainable, specialized and community-based model of care.

Family Connects Austin/Travis County

Family Connects offers free nurse home visits in the early postpartum weeks. These visits assess maternal and infant health, provide feeding and lactation support, and connect families to resources. By identifying and addressing needs early, Family Connects helps establish a strong foundation for sustained breastfeeding and family well-being.

Maternal Infant Outreach Program (MIOP)

Through a reproductive justice lens, MIOP prioritizes culturally responsive, peer-led support for Black and African American women. Led by DSHS-certified Community Health Workers, the program:

  • Provides one-on-one, home-based support.
  • Advocates for maternal and infant health.
  • Builds trust by employing team members from the communities they serve.

MIOP directly addresses systemic barriers, fostering long-term health equity.

City of Austin Mother-Friendly Worksite Workgroup

The City of Austin is proud to support breastfeeding employees as a designated Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite employer. This designation reflects Austin’s commitment to fostering inclusive workplace environments where nursing parents have access to:

  • Flexible policies that enable them to continue breastfeeding while at work.
  • Comfortable, private lactation spaces.
  • Access to nearby amenities for cleaning and storage.

The City of Austin Mother-Friendly Worksite Workgroup also supports all City departments by offering tailored department trainings, resources, and advanced consultative services to meet the needs of each employee. By modeling supportive practices for working families, the City sets a standard for sustainable workplace lactation support across Austin.

Promoting Equity and Building Capacity

APH is committed to expanding provider education and community awareness. By training healthcare professionals and offering culturally relevant programming, APH empowers both families and systems to sustain breastfeeding success.

This ongoing work—across direct services, education and advocacy—reflects the core of the WABA theme: creating durable, inclusive systems that prioritize breastfeeding as a public health, equity and human rights issue.

Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with Us

Throughout August and September, APH invites the community to participate in observances that spotlight the diversity of breastfeeding families and the collective work required to support them.

City of Austin Proclamation
Recognizing August as National Breastfeeding MonthDate: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
Time: Proclamations begin at 9 a.m.
Location: City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX

Weekly Observances include:

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