September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month, a time to pause and think about how we can give every baby the healthiest start possible. Infant mortality refers to the number of babies who don’t make it to their first birthday, and while the term itself can feel heavy, awareness brings power. The leading causes include premature birth, low birth weight, pregnancy complications, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While not all of these can be prevented, families do have tools that can make a real difference—and one of the strongest is breastfeeding.
Breastmilk is unique. It’s more than just food—it’s protection, comfort, and connection all in one. Research shows that breastfeeding lowers a baby’s risk of infections, helps regulate their body systems, supports brain development, and reduces the risk of SIDS. For moms, it also has lasting health benefits like reducing the risk of certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and postpartum depression, making it a powerful choice for the whole family’s well-being.
Of course, that doesn’t mean breastfeeding is always easy. Many moms face hurdles—whether it’s a painful latch, milk supply concerns, exhaustion, or balancing feeding with returning to work. That’s why support matters so much. Sometimes it’s as simple as a family member offering encouragement, a partner stepping in with household help, or a workplace providing a private pumping space. And sometimes it means reaching out to a lactation counselor for guidance and reassurance. These layers of support can make all the difference in helping moms reach their feeding goals and giving babies the best start.
This month, as we raise awareness around infant mortality, it’s important to remember that even small steps matter. Every drop of breastmilk makes a difference, every bit of support helps, and every effort from parents, families, and communities brings us closer to a future where more babies reach their first birthday and beyond. Together, we can protect and nurture the littlest lives—because every baby deserves the chance to thrive.
