Pittsburgh, PA – Yesterday, during an anniversary celebration of the Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle (PBBC), Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen marked National Breastfeeding Month by underscoring the importance of giving families information and support to make informed decisions about infant feeding.
“As a pediatrician, I want to ensure families have the resources they need to make choices that are right for them — including around infant feeding,” said Secretary Dr. Bogen. “It is important families know about the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies, and that they also have access to community support along their journey. Groups like the Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle play an essential role in helping families meet their goals.”
This year, National Breastfeeding Month recognizes the role of community organizations and advocates working to expand access to breastfeeding support and resources. In Pennsylvania, about 85 percent of mothers breastfed their infant at least once within the first year, and around 62 percent continued through the first six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for the best maternal and infant health outcomes, infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and continue to receive breastmilk until at least 12 months of age with the addition of age-appropriate foods.
Research shows breastfeeding can contribute to positive health outcomes. For infants, it is linked to healthy growth and development and may reduce the risk of conditions such as asthma, obesity, and Type 1 diabetes. Mothers who breastfeed may also experience reduced risks for breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
At the same time, barriers to educational and medical resources affect maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women. Although breastfeeding rates among Black mothers are increasing, disparities remain. Black Breastfeeding Week – observed each August – raises awareness of these inequities and highlights the importance of culturally relevant community support.
PBBC works to reintroduce breastfeeding as a positive option for mothers and babies of African descent in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. By connecting mothers with peers, health professionals, and lactation specialists, the organization helps create supportive environments for families.
Governor Josh Shapiro has made improving maternal and child health a top priority. His 2025-26 budget proposal includes $5 million for maternal health initiatives, including programs to better identify and address postpartum depression and anxiety. The Shapiro Administration is using data and recommendations from the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC), feedback from a statewide survey, and regional listening sessions to develop a multi-agency Maternal Health Strategic Plan.
Additionally, the Shapiro Administration established a Division of Maternal Health Services within DOH to support the administration of the MMRC, announced regional maternal health coalitions last year, and other initiatives to improve the health of mothers and babies.
Learn more about breastfeeding resources available in Pennsylvania on DOH’s website and YouTube.