Governor Stein Proclaims World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week 

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, breastfeeding provides a foundation for a sustainable start in life by supporting optimal infant health and nutrition while also promoting maternal health, with lasting benefits across the lifespan; and 

Whereas, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is available in all 100 counties and provides access to healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and encouragement for pregnant women and mothers and families with young children; and

Whereas, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Division of Public Health, in collaboration with community partners, works to expand outpatient access to pasteurized donor human milk, ensure that medically fragile infants can continue to receive life-saving human milk beyond hospital discharge, provide comprehensive breastfeeding information and resources at BreastfeedNC.com, and promote healthier beginnings for infants and families; and 

Whereas, the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition advances policies, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives that prioritize breastfeeding and contribute to the development of sustainable support systems for families across North Carolina; and 

Whereas, North Carolina joins the global community in observing World Breastfeeding Week 2026 under the theme of Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works and reaffirms its commitment to strengthening proven programs and practices that support breastfeeding success for families across the state;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim August 1-7, 2026, as “World Breastfeeding Week” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-first day of July in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.