New York State Department of Health Recognizes National Breastfeeding Month, Highlights Efforts to Address Breastfeeding Disparities

Health Care Providers and Community Leaders Gather in Yonkers to Discuss Breastfeeding Barriers and Resources Available to New York Families

Black Infants Have Lower Breastfeeding Initiation Rates Than Other Racial and Ethnic Groups

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 20, 2026) - The New York State Department of Health today recognized National Breastfeeding Month with a press event at Westchester Community Health Center in Yonkers, bringing together health care providers, public health practitioners, and community leaders to discuss barriers to breastfeeding and ways to expand support for Black families.

"Every baby deserves a healthy start and every family deserves the support they need to make the best feeding choices for their baby," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said."As a pediatrician, I know how important breastfeeding support can be for both babies and parents. New York State is working to make sure families, especially Black families who continue to face barriers, have access to the care, resources and support they need. Breastfeeding education, peer support, home visits, breast pumps, and nutritious foods are available through various Department of Health programs. When these programs coordinate services and local partners work together, we have an even greater opportunity to give families a healthy start."

"The Westchester County Department of Health wants to make sure every mother who wants to breastfeed has the support she needs to do so, and our WIC program, the largest in Westchester, offers mothers and families the support, guidance, and resources participants need to make that a reality," Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said. "We encourage all new mothers to consider breastfeeding. We also encourage family members, caregivers and employers to support mothers who choose to breastfeed by creating environments where breastfeeding and expressing breast milk are welcomed and supported. That support isn't just the right thing to do for families – it is also protected by law. There is good reason for these protections. Breast milk really is best for baby."

"Every mother deserves to feel supported, informed and respected as she makes decisions about how to nourish her baby," Westchester Community Health Center CEO Dr. Judith Watson said. "Addressing breastfeeding disparities means removing barriers to care and ensuring families have access to support throughout pregnancy and beyond. Through our Women's Health, Healthy Steps, Pediatrics, WIC and nutrition services, we can meet families where they are, build trust and connect mothers and babies with the care and resources they need to thrive."

"As the Site Director of Westchester Community Health Center in Yonkers, I believe every mother deserves access to breastfeeding education, compassionate support, and a safe space where she feels heard, respected and empowered," Site Director of Westchester Community Health Center Xiomara Castro said. "Addressing the disparities that Black women experience in our community means creating an environment where mothers can ask questions, share their experiences, and receive the resources they need without judgment. When we create safe and supportive spaces for mothers, we not only promote healthier beginnings for babies—we strengthen families, build trust, and help create a healthier, more equitable community for everyone."

"Westchester Community Health Center is committed to helping more mothers and families reach their breastfeeding goals. Through our free, community-based lactation support program, families receive support from pregnancy through weaning," Director of Women's Services of Westchester Community Health Center Dr. Angela Campbell said. "Our weekly English and Spanish Royal BabyCafe gives mothers a welcoming space to get professional guidance, connect with other parents, and talk openly about the challenges they face. Through this relationship-based support, families have reported greater confidence and increased breastfeeding rates, including more babies exclusively breastfed for six months."

More than 87.9 percent of New York infants initiate breastfeeding, but disparities persist. Among New York infants, only 25.7 percent are exclusively breastfed at six months and 41.3 percent are still receiving human milk at 12 months, below the Healthy People 2030 goals of 42.4 percent and 54.1 percent, respectively.

Black infants have lower breastfeeding initiation rates than many other racial and ethnic groups due to barriers including limited access to lactation support, workplace inequities, historical and cultural factors and bias in health care. To examine these disparities in New York and identify strategies to increase equity, the Department released the New York State Report on Breastfeeding Disparities in January 2025.

New York State has implemented initiatives to eliminate barriers and strengthened protections for employees who breastfeed.

In 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring employers to provide convenient, private spaces for pumping with seating and a flat surface, such as a desk or table, running water, and electricity. Since June 2024, New York law has also required employers to provide 30 minutes of paid break time for employees to express breast milk whenever they need for up to three years following childbirth.

The New York State WIC Program offers breastfeeding education with support from trained experts and peer counselors. Participants who breastfeed may also receive nutritious foods and a breast pump based on their individual needs. WIC services are available both in-person and virtually, making support accessible and convenient for families.

Nearly half of New York State WIC local agencies hold Breastfeeding Awards of Excellence from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for exemplary breastfeeding support. This year, New York State WIC received the most awards nationwide, with 18 Gold and 2 Premiere awards.

Through Breastfeeding and Lactation Friendly New York (BFFNY) 2023-2028 program, the Department is working to strengthen local support for families, particularly in low-income and racially and ethnically diverse communities

The Department also supports Breastfeeding Friendly designations for childcare and health care settings, provides continuing education for health professionals and works with Medicaid and Home Visiting Programs to expand access to lactation support and resources.

Human milk provides important nutrients and antibodies that help protect babies from illness and is associated with health benefits for babies and parents. Families who cannot or choose not to breastfeed/chestfeed have other feeding options, including expressed human milk, infant formulas and donor milk.

New York State is committed to ensuring families have access to information, respectful care and the support they need to make the feeding choices that are right for them.

Learn more about the New York State WIC program here.

Learn more about Community-based breastfeeding support here.

Learn more about Health insurance coverage for lactation support and breast pumps here.

Learn more about Home Visiting Programs here.