National Breastfeeding Awareness Month 2026

National Breastfeeding Month 2026

Breastfeeding Support for Families in Northern New Hampshire

Guest blog written in collaboration with Merrilee, RN, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), who provides breastfeeding education and support through the Family Resource Center’s Healthy Families America Program.

Feeding Your Baby with Confidence

Feeding a new baby comes with plenty of questions, and every family’s experience is different.

Some parents are preparing to breastfeed for the first time. Others may be pumping, returning to work, navigating feeding challenges, or looking for reassurance along the way. Having access to trusted information and compassionate support can help families feel more confident as they care for their baby.

August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time when communities across the United States come together to recognize, support, and celebrate the nourishing power of breast milk.

This year’s theme, RISE, stands for Resilience, Interdependence, Self-determination, and Empowerment. These values remind us that families thrive when they have trusted information, caring relationships, and support that honors their unique journey. At the Family Resource Center, we’re proud to be part of that support for families throughout Northern New Hampshire.

Amazing Things About Breast Milk

Breastmilk is often called “liquid gold,” and for good reason! Here are a few fascinating facts:

Breastmilk is “Alive!” It is packed with active white blood cells that help fight viruses, infection, and disease. It also contains live stem cells and beneficial bacteria that help build a strong, healthy immune system.
“Nighttime Breast Milk” is a natural SLEEP AID for your baby. It contains sleep-inducing hormones such as serotonin and melatonin that help babies regulate their circadian rhythm and develop healthy sleep patterns.
Breast Milk PAIN RELIEVER? YES! Some hormones found in breast milk have natural analgesic properties that may help relieve discomfort during illness and teething.
Babies can SMELL breast milk within minutes of birth. This helps encourage latching and supports early bonding between mother and baby.
Producing breast milk uses about 25% of the body’s energy. That’s even more than the brain uses at rest, which requires about 20% of the body’s energy.

Breastfeeding Support Close to Home

Here at the Family Resource Center, Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Merilee, provides breastfeeding education and guidance through our home visiting programs, offering personalized support during pregnancy and after your baby arrives.

The Healthy Families America program provides personalized support for families with young children from pregnancy until the child’s third birthday, offering guidance, parenting tools, connections to local resources, and encouragement to help reduce stress, support healthy child development, and strengthen family relationships.

Families unsure about what support might look like may also benefit from our Newborn Navigation program. This short-term home visiting program helps families connect with community resources, answers questions, and learn about longer-term support available to them.

Local Breastfeeding Resources

*Local birthing hospitals and women’s services office s:

Hospital Support

Valley Birthplace/Women’s Services
Androscoggin Valley Hospital
(603)752-2200

Sauter Birthing Suite
Littleton Regional Hospital
(603)444-9000

Community Organizations

Additional Resources

We’re Here to Support Your Journey

Every family’s feeding journey is unique.

If you have questions about breastfeeding, would like to learn more about Healthy Families America or Newborn Navigation, or are looking for local resources, we’d love to help.