World Breastfeeding Week 2025 — Prioritize breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems

Celebrated in more than 120 countries across the globe, World Breastfeeding Week takes place every year August 1-7. The 2025 theme, "Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, highlights the need for long-term, community-based solutions that empower all parents on their infant feeding journey.

This year’s message is clear: It’s not just about encouraging breastfeeding — it’s about building connections that make support accessible, inclusive and effective.

What does sustainable support look like?

Support for breastfeeding starts at home and stretches far beyond.

• Families and friends provide emotional encouragement and help with day-to-day needs, making the early days of breastfeeding more manageable.
• Communities and workplaces can create welcoming spaces where parents feel comfortable feeding or expressing milk, without stigma or barriers.
• Healthcare organizations play a central role by offering professional guidance, compassionate care and access to services at every stage of the journey.

BCH’s commitment to breastfeeding families

At Boulder Community Health, we’re proud to support parents before birth, in the hospital and once they return home. Through our Family Birth Center at Foothills Hospital, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care that supports both breastfeeding and informed feeding choices.

Here’s how BCH helps create sustainable support for families:

Lactation Services

Our board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) are available for in-hospital consultations and outpatient visits after you go home. Whether you’re facing challenges or need reassurance, our experts are here to help in-person, over the phone or virtually.

One grateful patient, Jess P, shared:

“The lactation consultants at BCH taught me things during my hospital stay that completely changed my breastfeeding experience — not just in those early days, but throughout both of my kids’ lives. Their guidance has had a lasting impact on me as a mom.

I was able to call them with questions about pain and overproduction, and those conversations made me feel like my challenges were both normal and solvable. It was such a relief to have an expert reassure me that I wasn’t crazy and that what I was doing was right for my baby.

Even well into breastfeeding my first child — at 15 or 16 months — I developed a clogged duct and was worried it might be mastitis. They eased my mind and gave me tips to clear the clog without damaging my supply.

If you’re still breastfeeding, no matter how far along you are, they’re still here for you.”

Our Lactation Consultants can be of great help with:

• Nipple pain or trauma

• Flat or inverted nipples

• Concerns about your milk supply (too much or too little)

• Engorged breasts

• Latching and position problems

• Concerns about baby’s weight gain

• Clogged ducts or breast pain

• Feeding a premature baby

• Breast refusal

• Infant feeding poorly at the breast

• Infant reflux

• Adoptive breastfeeding

• Re-lactation or increasing milk supply after a depletion

• Creating a supportive back-to-work plan

To make an appointment, call the Lactation Scheduling and Help Line at 303-415-7230.

Baby-Friendly Designation​

BCH is proudly Baby-Friendly, a global certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, promoted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This designation reflects our commitment to practices that support optimal infant feeding, maternal bonding and family education — regardless of whether a parent chooses to breastfeed or formula-feed.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes

Our breastfeeding essentials classes help parents feel more confident and prepared. Topics include positioning, latching techniques, hunger cues and how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk. These classes offer space for asking questions and setting goals before your baby arrives.

• When: Second Wednesdays, 6 p.m – 9 p.m.

• Where: BCH Erie Medical Center, 101 Erie Parkway, Erie

• Cost: $40.00. Register here.

Breastfeeding & Infant Feeding Support Group

This free, drop-in support group is a BCH favorite. Held weekly at Foothills Hospital, it’s a relaxed, informal space where moms can ask questions, connect with other parents and receive guidance from board-certified lactation consultants.

• When: Thursdays, 12:30 – 2 p.m.

• Where: Foothills Hospital, 4747 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder (check in at the front desk for room info)

• Cost: Free. No registration required.

Learn more here.

Family Connects Colorado

In addition to BCH’s in-hospital and outpatient breastfeeding support, families can also take advantage of Family Connects Colorado — a free program that connects every family with a newborn to a healthy start. About three weeks after birth, a registered nurse will visit you at home to check in on you, your baby and your family’s overall well-being. They can help with everything from feeding and sleeping questions to finding childcare options and will connect you with community resources tailored to your needs. Schedule your free visit here.

Need support now?

Call our Lactation Scheduling and Help Line at 303-415-7230 to connect with a lactation consultant for phone advice or to schedule a one-on-one visit. For more information, visit our Breastfeeding Support & Resources page here.