This week we observe ʻŌiwi Breastfeeding Week, dedicated to celebrating and supporting hānai waiū, breastfeeding. It is a time to honor the joys and challenges that come with hānai waiū, and to uplift the experiences of our ʻohana who choose to and/or can hānai waiū to their keiki. We also recognize and mahalo the organizations across our pae ʻāina that provide essential lactation support and education to our ʻohana. 

While hānai waiū can bring its share of challenges, it can also be a beautiful and rewarding interaction between māmā, ʻohana, and pēpē. Yet, disparities remain; Native Hawaiians have the lowest percentage of infants still breastfeeding at 8 weeks postpartum in Hawaiʻi (Native Hawaiians: 80.9% vs. Hawaiʻi overall: 85.7%) (HHM, 2022). Supporting ʻohana who wish to breastfeed is vital, as breastfeeding offers important health benefits for both māmā and pēpē (Murray et al., 2024). When we nurture and strengthen our breastfeeding families, our entire lāhui thrives. 

Resource partners:

1. Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi. Resources for lactation support, milk bank and professionals.
2. Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Nutritional Support and education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum women, infants, and children up to five years old. Find your nearest WIC clinic.
3. Healthy Hāpai Program – Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi. Mama to Mama Breastfeeding Happy Hour support; free and open to pregnant and breastfeeding moms with babies up to 1 year old, Hawaiʻi Island.
4. Hawaiʻi Mothers Milk, Inc. Breastfeeding education and lactation counseling; breast pumps, parts, and other nursing supplies. Monthly breastfeeding support group.
5. Lactation Consultants & Breastfeeding Support | HMHB Hawaiʻi. Breastfeeding support and lactation consultants; breastfeeding resources and education, mobile clinics.
6. Maui Breastfeeding Support. Lactation education, counseling, support and home visits.