Austin Public Health is making headlines this National Breastfeeding Month with programs so effective they’ve caught national attention. The city’s WIC program just earned the USDA Breastfeeding Award of Excellence, proving Austin knows how to support new families when they need it most.
This August, under the theme “Forward Together,” Austin is showcasing what real community support looks like for breastfeeding families. It’s not just about one-time help—it’s about building systems that work for every family, regardless of background or circumstances.
What Makes Austin’s Approach Different
Austin Public Health doesn’t just offer services—they’ve created a web of interconnected support that catches families wherever they are in their journey. From prenatal education through workplace accommodations, the city has thought through every stage where new parents might need help.
The programs reflect Austin’s commitment to equity, recognizing that different communities face different barriers. Whether it’s language, cultural differences, or economic challenges, Austin’s approach is designed to meet families where they are.
Your Support Network Across Austin
WIC Program: Your Community Connection
Austin’s WIC program goes beyond basic nutrition assistance. They provide breastfeeding peer counselors who’ve walked in your shoes, access to certified lactation consultants, and virtual classes that fit busy schedules. The USDA recognition means their approach is setting the standard nationwide.
Mom’s Place: Three Decades of Expertise
Since 1994, Mom’s Place Lactation Support Center has been Austin’s go-to resource for hands-on breastfeeding help. Staffed by registered nurses, international board certified lactation consultants, and peer counselors, they offer everything from lactation consultations to baby weight checks and provider training.
Family Connects: Help When You Need It Most
Those first weeks home with a new baby can be overwhelming. Family Connects Austin/Travis County sends nurses right to your home during those crucial early postpartum weeks. They assess how both mom and baby are doing, provide feeding support, and connect you with resources before small problems become big ones.
Maternal Infant Outreach Program: Culturally Responsive Care
Recognizing that Black and African American women face unique challenges, the Maternal Infant Outreach Program provides peer-led support through community health workers from the communities they serve. This approach builds trust while addressing systemic barriers that affect long-term health outcomes.
Austin Workplaces Get It Right
The City of Austin earned designation as a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite, showing other employers how it’s done. Austin employees get flexible policies for continuing breastfeeding at work, comfortable private lactation spaces, and access to cleaning and storage facilities.
But Austin doesn’t stop there. The City’s Mother-Friendly Worksite Workgroup offers training and consultation to help all city departments support their nursing employees. It’s a model other cities are watching and hoping to replicate.
Why This Matters for Your Family
These aren’t just government programs—they’re your community stepping up to support one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new parent. Research consistently shows breastfeeding benefits both babies and mothers, but it’s not always easy without the right support.
Austin’s approach recognizes that sustainable breastfeeding support requires more than telling parents it’s good for them. It requires systems that work, people who understand, and communities that prioritize family health as a shared responsibility.
Join the Celebration
Throughout August and September, Austin is hosting events that celebrate the diversity of breastfeeding families and highlight the community work that supports them.
City Hall Proclamation:
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025, 9:00 AM
Where: Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street
The proclamation recognizes August as National Breastfeeding Month and acknowledges Austin’s commitment to supporting all families on their feeding journey.
Getting Connected
Whether you’re expecting, currently breastfeeding, or supporting someone who is, Austin’s network of services is designed to help you succeed. From peer counselors who understand your challenges to certified experts who can solve complex problems, Austin has built something special.
The national recognition is nice, but what really matters is that Austin families have access to the kind of comprehensive, equitable support that helps them reach their feeding goals.
In a city known for innovation, Austin Public Health is proving that when it comes to supporting families, the most innovative thing you can do is simply show up consistently, meet people where they are, and build systems that actually work.
That’s how you create lasting change, one family at a time.
