Alongside the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), Oregon Health Authority is working to use gender-inclusive language and terms that support all people in relation to infant feeding, especially people in the LGBTQIA2S+ community. For more information on this, read the ABM statement.
Every year from August 1–7, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and communities across Oregon celebrate National WIC Breastfeeding Week and World Breastfeeding Week. These celebrations emphasize the need to support families throughout their breast/chest feeding journey.
This year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” focuses on understanding how breast/chest feeding supports good nutrition, food security, and stretching household resources.
Neighbors, healthcare providers, local organizations, and the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children), all work together to help parents feel supported and confident as they feed their babies.
How Oregon WIC supports families
Oregon’s WIC program is run by OHA and is a major source of breast/chest feeding support. WIC helps families build confidence, learn new skills, and get the resources they need to help their babies grow strong.
Through WIC, families can access:
- Peer support and lactation experts: All WIC staff receive basic training in supporting families with breastfeeding. Some clinics have breastfeeding peer counselors and others provide advanced breastfeeding support from Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
- Breast pumps for families who need them: WIC offers manual or electric breast pumps if families cannot get one through their health plan.
- Partnerships that bring care closer: WIC works with pediatric clinics and community lactation groups so families can get breast/chest feeding support, which can reduce stress and improve long-term success.
- Education for everyone: WIC offers videos and materials in different languages to help families learn about breast/chest feeding and understanding their babies’ needs.
WIC believes that when parents get the support they need, they can care for their babies with confidence.
Oregon is a national leader in breast/chest feeding
Oregon has a proud history of some of the highest breast/chest feeding rates in the nation. Oregon WIC leads the state, with 97 percent starting breast/chest feeding (compared to 91 percent statewide in 2022), 51 percent continuing at six months, and 32 percent continuing at one year.
In the U.S., about 86 percent of babies are breast/chest fed at least once, though not as many continue for the full recommended six months.
Around the world, 47-51 percent of babies under six months are exclusively breast/chest fed. Many communities help parents learn how to feed their babies through counseling, culturally informed care, and family-focused support.
These numbers show how strong Oregon’s support systems are.
Clearing up common breast/chest feeding myths.
There are many myths about breast/chest feeding. Here are a few truths:
- “Breast/chest feeding always hurts.”
Some soreness at first is normal but shouldn’t last. If it’s painful, getting lactation help can make breast/chest feeding more comfortable.
- “You have to eat a strict diet.”
Most parents can keep eating the foods they enjoy. A balanced diet is recommended.
- “You must stop when you are sick.”
Breast milk has antibodies that protect babies. Most illnesses do not require stopping breast/chest feeding.
- “Breast size affects milk supply.”
Milk supply is based on how often the baby eats, not breast size.
- “You can’t breast/chest feed in public.”
In Oregon, breast/chest feeding in any public space—including parks, pools, and businesses—is protected by law.
Sharing correct information helps families feel supported and respected.
Your rights: Breast/chest feeding in public and at work
- Public Spaces: Oregon’s law says families can breast/chest feed anywhere in public. You don’t have to cover up or move to a different place.
- At work: Oregon law requires workplaces to allow time and a provide a private, non-restroom space to pump milk until their child is 18 months old. This includes farm workers, thanks to expanded protections passed in 2025.
These laws help parents feed their babies comfortably, no matter where they are.
Healthy families, healthy communities
Breast/chest feeding helps protect babies from infections, asthma, obesity, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and type 2 diabetes for parents.
By supporting breast/ chest feeding with kindness, education, community resources, and strong laws, we help create a healthier, more connected Oregon.
To learn more about World Breastfeeding Week, visit worldbreastfeedingweek.org.
To learn more about Oregon’s WIC breast/chest feeding support and resources, visit OHA’s Healthy Babies webpage.