August is National Breastfeeding Month, and this final week, August 25-31, is dedicated to Black Breastfeeding Week (BBW). This week is a crucial part of the national observance. It highlights the unique challenges and triumphs of black mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. This blog post will explore why this week is so important and how you can get involved. The 2025 theme for BBW is Boots on the Ground: Rooted in Breastfeeding Success, Grounded in Community Support.
Why Black Breastfeeding Week Exists
Black Breastfeeding Week began in 2013. It was created to address the significant racial disparities in breastfeeding rates. For decades, Black women have had the lowest breastfeeding rates in the U.S. This is not due to a lack of desire to breastfeed. It is a result of historical and systemic barriers. These barriers include a lack of targeted community support, racial bias in healthcare, and the historical trauma of slavery, which severed cultural connections to breastfeeding.
This week exists to bring awareness to these issues. It celebrates the strength and resilience of the Black community. It provides a platform for education and advocacy. The goal is to build a supportive network that addresses systemic inequalities and promotes health equity for Black families.
What to Expect During Black Breastfeeding Week
Black Breastfeeding Week is a vibrant time of celebration and education. The week is filled with events both online and in local communities. While specific events vary each year, you can typically expect a mix of the following:
Virtual Events: Many organizations host webinars and online conferences. These sessions focus on topics like historical context, finding community support, and overcoming common breastfeeding challenges. Be sure to check out the Virtual Open Mic Night on Saturday, August 30 at 4 p.m. EST.
Community Gatherings: Local organizations often host meet-ups, workshops, and latch-on events. These gatherings provide a safe and encouraging space for new mothers to connect. For those in the Oakland, CA or New York City area, can check out the Oakland or Harlem Open Mic Nights on Aug. 25 and Aug. 28. Search online for events are happenings in your area.
Social Media Campaigns: The Black Breastfeeding effort is strong on social media and you can help spread awareness from wherever you are and whatever you are doing simply by sharing posts and engaging with them. Expect to see powerful stories, art, and information shared widely online. They can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Following the official hashtags is another great way to show your support and learn more throughout the campaign. Check out: #BBW25 #BootsOnTheGround #blackbreastfeedingweek
Expert Q&As: Lactation consultants and healthcare professionals often offer live Q&A sessions. These provide valuable, accessible information for mothers. At Hygeia Health we partner with Nest Collaborative to provide virtual breastfeeding consults accessible anytime, anywhere, covered by most insurance plans at no cost to you.
To find a full list of official events, visit the Black Breastfeeding Week website.
Supporting All Moms During National Breastfeeding Month
At Hygeia, we believe every mother deserves full support on her feeding journey. We understand that a high-quality breast pump is a tool that can make a big difference. Our breast pumps are designed for both comfort and efficiency. We are also committed to removing financial barriers for mothers. You can find out if you qualify to receive a Hygeia pump 100% covered by your insurance plan. Find out if you qualify here.
Black Breastfeeding Week reminds us that true support must be inclusive and culturally sensitive. It is an opportunity for all of us to listen, learn, and act. By championing equity in lactation care, we help build a healthier future for all children. Join us in celebrating this important week and supporting every mother’s choice.
World Breastfeeding Week wrapped up last week, but it was immediately followed by the kick off of Indigenous Milk Medicine Week (IMMW). It is observed each August 8-14 as another spotlighted week during National Breastfeeding Month. Indigenous cultures have long recognized the healing properties of breast milk. Indigenous Milk Medicine honors this tradition and emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in breastfeeding support.
Unapologetically Indigenous: Love, Landback, and Liberation
This year’s theme, “Unapologetically Indegenous: Love, Landback, and Liberation,” will affirm Milk Medicine as living knowledge that nourishes sovereignty and love. They aim to celebrate the strength, connection, and healing that Milk Medicine brings through community care. “From our Ancestors to future generations, Milk Medicine is a vital thread that holds us together,” their website states.
- Love is the core of the Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective does as deep kinship is what binds communities and families.
- Landback represents the reclamation of traditions and practices that have sustained the community for generations.
- Liberation stands for the reclamation of the right to practice traditional birthkeeping and lactation.
Each day of IMMW features a theme, complete with “what to wear” and a directive for individuals to participate or show their support online. The week kicked off with a livestream on Aug. 7. You can catch the replay, featuring artist Soni Lopez-Chavez (Chichimeca), on their Facebook page along with Q&A sessions and other featured live streams. The event’s virtual 5K kicked off Aug. 9 and is open to participation through Aug. 14.
Virtual Conference & Featured Artist
On Monday, Aug. 11 the Indigenous Milk Medicine Conference began. The virtual event runs through Aug. 14 and offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn from knowledge sharing educational sessions.. The sessions include topics such as, “Unmasking Neurodiversity in Indigenous Lactation and Early Postpartum”, “First Foods, Fluid Identities: Parenting and Feeding 2-Spirit Futures”, and more. Each day offers valuable sessions with powerful speakers.
Part of IMMW is to feature an Indigenous artist that will uplift and highlight Indigenous talent while bringing to life that year’s theme. The 2025 featured artist is Soni Lopez-Chavez. She is a Chichimeca artist whose powerful work centers Indigenous identity, healing, and liberation.
Supporting All Moms During National Breastfeeding Month
Hygeia Health is committed to supporting all mothers, including Indigenous moms, on their breastfeeding journey. Our breast pumps are designed with comfort and efficiency in mind, but we know that a great pump is just one piece of the puzzle. We believe in providing comprehensive support, including education, resources, and community. Hygeia offers moms an opportunity to receive a high quality pump 100% covered by their insurance. Find out if you qualify here.
Let’s continue to celebrate the power of breast milk in the month of August, and advocate for policies that support Indigenous Milk Medicine families year-round.
The most common word used to describe breastfeeding is “natural”. This act shared between mother and baby reflects the beauty found in the natural role of motherhood. “Natural” also reflects why breastfeeding needs prioritized in today’s world. Breastfeeding is a natural solution and therefore a sustainable one. World Breastfeeding Week 2025 inspires us to look beyond the immediate act of feeding and consider a much bigger picture. This blog post will dive into the this year’s theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems.”
The Environmental Toll of Artificial Feeding
Hygeia is in full support of all mother’s and how they choose to feed their babies, be it breastfeeding or formula. Fed is best. No questions. This is truly the most important thing for every baby and that every mom knows what is best for her and her baby.
However, it is important to recognize that the environmental impact of artificial feeding is considerable. The entire process of formula production is energy-intensive and resource-heavy. From sourcing ingredients to manufacturing, packaging, and global distribution, it is a far cry from a “natural renewable food” like breast milk. One one hand, breast milk is environmentally safe and produced and delivered to the consumer without pollution, packaging, or waste. Artificial milk options demand significant amounts of electricity, fuel for transportation, and water for processing and cleaning. The waste generated, from non-recyclable containers to discarded formula, places a heavy burden on our planet’s ecosystems.
Building Sustainable Support Systems
Recognizing breastfeeding’s vital role in a sustainable future isn’t enough. We must create robust and sustainable support systems for families. There are numerous ways this can be done.
- Community Support: Grass roots is where all things begin. Fostering networks of lactation consultants, peer support groups, and family encouragement are necessary for normalizing breastfeeding. At Hygeia, we offer lactation support in partnership with Nest Collaborative. These virtual breastfeeding consults are accessible anytime, anywhere, and covered by most insurance plans.
- Workplace Policies: For breastfeeding to be normalized there must be support in the workplace. This will happen through advocacy for comprehensive paid maternity leave and flexible work arrangements. Additionally, moms need dedicated breastfeeding-friendly environments with clean, private lactation spaces.
- Healthcare System: The support and education must begin from day one for mothers. We must ensure that healthcare providers are well-trained in lactation support. Facilities must also adhere to best practices like the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
- Policy and Advocacy: Globally, we must endorse policies that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. This includes strict adherence to the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to counter misleading marketing.
- Changing the Narrative: All of these steps will play a part, but individuals must also work to normalize breastfeeding in all settings. Encourage a mom who is breastfeeding in public. Educate a friend on her public breastfeeding rights. Help dismantle any lingering stigma around breastfeeding.
Breastfeed
At Hygeia, we believe that empowering mothers is the first step toward a more sustainable future. By providing you with access to our high-quality breast pumps, we aim to make breastfeeding a comfortable and efficient experience. Every journey is unique, which is why we’re dedicated to helping you get your pump 100% covered by your insurance plan. We are removing financial barriers to this natural choice.
Supporting a mother is an act of environmental stewardship. By strengthening the systems around us—from our communities to our workplaces—we can make breastfeeding a realistic option for more families. It’s an investment in a healthier tomorrow, for our children and for our planet. Therefore, join us in championing this natural, sustainable solution during World Breastfeeding Week.
Imagine a single act that nourishes a baby, empowers a mother, and protects our planet. This World Breastfeeding Week 2025, we’re doing more than celebrating infant feeding; we’re championing a powerful solution for our planet’s future. From August 1st to 7th, the #WBW2025 campaign will shine a crucial spotlight on the profound connection between breastfeeding, environment, and climate change, urging all to “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
The world is in the trenches of era where environmental concerns dominate global conversations. Hygeia will always support mothers in finding the best solution for their personal situation and seeing to it that baby is fed and mother is healthy. However, at Hygeia, we also know it is vital to recognize breastfeeding as a key player in fostering a sustainable environment and actively reducing the impact of climate change caused by artificial feeding.
The Green Power of Breastfeeding
Breast milk is often called nature’s perfect food, but its environmental benefits are equally remarkable.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Unlike infant formula, breastfeeding boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint. It requires no industrial manufacturing processes, factories, or energy-intensive machinery that release greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, breast milk is the ultimate local food; it requires no transportation, eliminating the emissions associated with shipping ingredients or finished products across vast distances.
Waste Reduction
Breastfeeding is a champion of waste reduction. It produces absolutely zero waste – no plastic bottles, no metal cans, no paper packaging to end up in landfills. Breastfeeding also significantly reduces water consumption. There’s no need for water to prepare formula or sterilize bottles, conserving this precious resource. While a breastfeeding mother needs to stay hydrated, this is a natural biological need, not an industrial demand.
Conservation of Resources
Breastfeeding lessens our reliance on industrial agriculture, particularly the dairy industry. Most formulas are cow’s milk-based, an industry known for its contribution to methane emissions from livestock, extensive land degradation for grazing, and massive water usage. By choosing breastfeeding, we indirectly support resource conservation and the protection of biodiversity, promoting more sustainable practices overall.
Championing the Natural Solution
This World Breastfeeding Week 2025, let’s come together to champion this incredible, natural solution. At Hygeia Health, we are dedicated to empowering mothers through high-quality breast pumps and comprehensive support. Our products are designed to make breastfeeding more comfortable and efficient, while our resources provide valuable information and guidance.
By prioritizing breastfeeding and building strong, lasting support systems, we’re not just investing in the health and well-being of our children; we’re taking meaningful climate action and fostering a truly sustainable environment for future generations. Every ounce of breast milk is a drop in the ocean of positive change.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms out there! This day is for celebrating you, your strength, your love, and everything you do. At Hygeia Health we believe you deserve to gift yourself this Mother’s Day!
We know that he month of May is one of the busiest times of year for countless mothers. School awards, spring flings, enjoying playdates, and sports schedules. It’s a time of fun but often a full schedule, so finding time to sleep can be hard enough. Never mind getting a relaxing day of being pampered.
Hygeia’s got you with the best gifts that seamlessly integrate into a busy life and offer moments of peace, joy, or efficiency. This Mother’s Day, consider gifting yourself something simple yet powerful: self-care through the amazing tech tools at your fingertips.
1. The Gift of Calm: A Meditation App Subscription
Think: Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer
Why it’s a gift: Even five minutes of guided meditation can bring a sense of peace and reduce stress. These apps offer a variety of sessions tailored for busy schedules and specific needs like sleep, anxiety, and focus.
Bonus! Check out this special series for moms on the Calm app.
2. The Gift of Stories: An Audiobook Subscription
Think: Audible, Spotify Premium (with audiobooks), Google Play Books,
Why it’s a gift: Escape into a captivating story while folding laundry, nursing, or when a mental break is needed. Audiobooks allow you to “read” even when your hands are full.
Bonus: Libraries also offer collections of audiobooks! All you need is a library card and you have free access. Check out Libby or Hoopla.
3. The Gift of Your Favorite Soundtrack: A Music Streaming Premium Account
Think: Spotify Premium, Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited
Why it’s a gift: Ad-free listening to your go-to playlists can instantly boost your mood, energize you for a workout, or provide a soothing backdrop to your day. Create playlists for different moods and activities.
Bonus! Need a good playlist? Steal some ideas from this Mother’s Day playlist!
4. The Gift of Knowledge on the Go: A Podcast Subscription/App
Think: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast
Why it’s a gift: Learn something new, be entertained, or feel connected to a community. Podcasts are perfect for your commute or while pumping. There’s a podcast for every interest!
Bonus! Need to find a good podcast? Check out this list of top podcasts for moms!
5. The Gift of Delicious Recipes: A Meal Planning App (Free Versions Often Available)
Think: Mealime, Plan to Eat, BigOven
Why it’s a gift: Take some of the mental load out of meal prep. Get recipe ideas, filter by ingredients or prep time, and other basic planning features.
Bonus! Most apps have a free version available and they are loaded with great content!
6. The Gift of Gentle Movement: An Online Yoga or Exercise App
Think: Down Dog, Peloton, Nike Training Club
Why it’s a gift: Even short bursts of movement can improve your physical and mental well-being.
Bonus! Many apps offer free trials, allowing you to explore what works for you without commitment.
7. The Gift of Captured Memories: A Photo Backup/Organization App
Think: Google Photos, iCloud Photos, Dropbox
Why it’s a gift: Ensure your precious photos and videos of your little ones are safely backed up and easily accessible. Organize them into albums to relive those sweet moments.
Bonus! Most of these photo organizers connect seamlessly to photo gift and print tools like Snapfish and Shutteryfly.
Hygeia’s year-round gift to moms
Don’t forget Hygeia Health’s year-round gift available to many expecting and new moms: a breast pump 100% covered by insurance. Every mother deserves access to quality breast pumps. Because many insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump, we help moms navigate the process and find out if you qualify for a free, high-quality breast pump. Having a reliable pump will alway improve your breastfeeding experience.
Ready to see if you can get a breast pump covered by your insurance? Apply today and let Hygeia Health support your breastfeeding goals.
Remember that self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential. Gift yourself this Mother’s Day (or any time!) to one (or more!) of these simple tech treats. You deserve it! Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Hygeia Health, where we are dedicated to supporting your motherhood journey, one pump and one moment of self-care at a time.
Have you ever stared into that freshly pumped bottle and think, “Huh, today’s batch is looking a little…golden?”
Or maybe a hint of blue?
Welcome to the surprisingly colorful world of breast milk, mama!
It’s like nature’s little art project, and while it might have you raising an eyebrow now and then, most of the time, those hues are totally normal and even tell a fascinating story about what’s nourishing your little one. This blog post will be your breast milk color decoder to help you navigate this liquid rainbow with confidence. Let’s dive into the shades and what they typically mean, so you can feel like a total pro when it comes to your amazing milk!
What can impact the breast milk color?
There are three major things that can impact your breastmilk having a slightly different color than the usual and expected white. This includes what you have eaten, the state of your health (or presence of illness), the stage of the milk, and how the milk has been stored, if at all.
Yellow or Orange: The Early Milk
Need to worry? No!
In the first few days after birth, your milk, called colostrum, is often yellow or deep orange. This color comes from beta-carotene, a nutrient that’s good for your baby. Colostrum is packed with antibodies and is very important for your newborn’s health. As your milk transitions, it may still have a yellow tint for a while. And you might also note that consuming turmeric can also turn your breast milk golden.
White or Creamy: Mature Milk
Need to worry? No!
Around two weeks after birth, your milk will likely become white or creamy. This is mature milk. The fat content in the milk gives it this color. Milk expressed at the end of a feeding or pumping session, called hindmilk, is usually whiter because it has more fat.
Thin and Bluish: Foremilk
Need to worry? No!
At the start of a feeding or pumping session, the milk might look thin and even a little bluish. This is foremilk. It has more water and lactose and helps to quench your baby’s thirst. This coloring can also indicate a higher level of electrolytes in your milk.
Green: When It Might Appear
Need to worry? No!
Sometimes, breast milk can have a green tint. This is often due to something you ate, like green vegetables such as spinach or kale. Green food coloring in drinks or supplements can also cause this change, but you should note that some medications can have the same effect.
Pink or Red: Usually a Little Blood
Need to worry? Not likely.
Seeing pink or red milk can be alarming, but it’s often not a serious problem. The most common reason is a small amount of blood. This can happen if your nipples are cracked or sore, which is common in the early days. “Rusty pipe syndrome,” where extra blood flow to the breasts causes a little blood in the early milk, can also cause this. It usually goes away on its own. Sometimes, broken blood vessels from pumping can also cause a pink or red color.
Brown or Rust-Colored Milk: Uncommon
Need to worry? No.
Brown or rust-colored milk is usually old blood. This can also be related to rusty pipe syndrome.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
While most breast milk color changes are normal, there are times to seek advice from a doctor or lactation consultant. If you see pink or red milk that doesn’t go away quickly or is more than just a little, it’s best to get it checked. Brown or black milk, especially if you’re not taking any medications that could cause it, should also be discussed with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant. If you or your baby have other symptoms along with a color change, like breast pain or fever, seek medical advice.
Understanding the different colors of your breast milk can help you feel more confident during your breastfeeding journey. At Hygeia Health, we’re committed to supporting you with information and the right tools. We believe every mother deserves access to quality breast pumps. Did you know that many insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump? Hygeia Health can help you navigate this process and see if you qualify for a free, high-quality breast pump. Having a reliable pump can make your breastfeeding experience smoother, no matter what color your milk may be.
Ready to see if you can get a breast pump covered by your insurance? Apply today and let Hygeia Health support your breastfeeding goals.
