Every August, families across the country pause to talk about something that matters deeply but doesn’t always get enough airtime: feeding your baby and caring for yourself after delivery. National Breastfeeding Month, recognized by the
U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, is a reminder that new parents deserve support, not pressure, as they figure out what works for them and their little one.
Importance of National Breastfeeding Month
Most parents start out breastfeeding, but life after the hospital has a way of making things harder. Between sore days, questions about supply, going back to work, and plain exhaustion, keeping it going isn’t always simple. That’s exactly why National Breastfeeding Month exists: to shine a light on the everyday hurdles families face and remind everyone that real, practical breastfeeding support can make all the difference.
There’s no single “right” way to feed your baby. According to
CDC feeding guidance, what helps most is having judgment-free guidance and quick access to care whenever something feels off. The breastfeeding benefits you’ve likely heard about, including easier bonding, fewer sick days, and a smoother routine, are real, but they work best when you’re not figuring it all out alone.
JMS Postpartum Care Programs
Postpartum care is about far more than one follow-up visit. Recovery, feeding, mood, sleep, and your baby’s health are all connected, which is part of why the
long-term benefits of prenatal and postpartum care reach so far beyond the first few weeks. Support works best when it’s built around your whole experience, not just one piece of it.
As a JMS member, you can connect with a nurse
case manager throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Your case manager can answer questions, help you find the right care, and walk you through programs designed around your needs, including:
- OB Case Management: Ongoing support and answers throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
- Doulas: Hands-on physical, emotional, and informational support before and after birth, including in-home visits.
- Home Visiting Services: In-home help during pregnancy and your baby’s first few months.
- Centering Pregnancy: Group prenatal sessions at select facilities.
- Healthy Steps: Child-development support for kids age three and under.
- Healthy Rewards: Incentives tied to prenatal and postpartum visits.
You don’t have to piece this together on your own. Help is built into your
JMS membership from the very beginning.
When to Seek Resources
Reach out early, not just when things feel urgent. Good times to ask for help include:
- Feeding feels painful, confusing, or isn’t going the way you expected.
- You have questions about milk supply, pumping, or combining feeding methods.
- You’re feeling persistently overwhelmed, sad, or disconnected. Support is also available through the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
- You notice heavy bleeding, severe swelling, a fever, chest pain, or other symptoms that feel serious or out of the ordinary.
If something feels off physically or emotionally, don’t wait it out. Tell your provider you’re pregnant or gave birth within the past year; that detail matters. Lean on your JMS case manager to help you get the right care quickly.
We’re Here for Maryland Families
National Breastfeeding Month is a good moment to remember that support should never be one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re expecting, newly postpartum, or a few months into parenthood, JMS is here to help you access postpartum care, feeding support, and everyday guidance across the state of Maryland.
If you’re pregnant, recently had a baby, or simply have questions,
contact JMS and ask about OB case management or our postpartum support programs. Call 1-888-JAI-1999 today. We’re ready to help.
