Women in Breastfeeding History

By: Savannah Taylor, Certified Lactation Counselor

7 min

Breastfeeding is a fundamental part of human survival. that has been met with cultural shifts, societal misconceptions, and systemic barriers throughout history. From policy changes to grassroots movements, the fight to normalize, protect, and promote breastfeeding has been championed by countless mothers, activists, and healthcare professionals.

Here, we highlight women from around the world who have made history advocating for breastfeeding, ensuring that future generations have access to support, education, and the right to nurse freely.

As we continue to advocate for maternal rights, workplace protections, and breastfeeding education, we honor the legacy of these incredible women.

Women Who Made History Advocating for Breastfeeding

1. Marian Tompson (United States)

As one of the founding members of La Leche League International, in 1956 Marian Tompson helped ignite a global mother-to-mother support movement at a time when breastfeeding was aggressively shamed. Her visionary work empowered countless women to reclaim their innate ability to nourish their babies naturally, setting the stage for decades of advocacy and education. ⁽¹⁾

2. Dr. Amal Omer-Salim (Sweden)

Dr. Omer-Salim co-directs the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN). Her tireless efforts challenge corporate influences in infant feeding and champion the implementation of the WHO Code on Breastfeeding, ensuring that policies protect mothers from the pressures of consumer marketing. ⁽²⁾ 3

3. Pia Cayetano (Philippines)

Senator Pia Cayetano has transformed her political platform into a powerful tool for change. By championing breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies, advocating for public feeding rights, and pushing for robust maternal leave protections, she has revitalized breastfeeding laws in the Philippines—helping mothers everywhere to nurse with dignity. ⁽³⁾

4. Kimberly Moore-Salas (Kimberly Moore-Salaszz)

Kimberly Moore-Salas, IBCLC, is a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and has over 14 years of experience in lactation support. She serves as a co-instructor for the Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor training and is an advisory committee member for the Navajo Breastfeeding Coalition. Moore-Salas also held a two-term position on the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) Board of Directors and currently acts as the Tribal Liaison for the USBC. Her efforts focus on providing culturally relevant breastfeeding education and support to Indigenous communities, aiming to improve health outcomes and reclaim traditional practices.(4)

5. Kimberly Seals Allers (United States)

Kimberly Seals Allers uses her pen and platform to spotlight the racial disparities in breastfeeding. As a journalist, author, and activist, she sheds light on the systemic challenges faced by Black mothers, urging healthcare professionals to build equitable support systems that honor the unique needs of every woman. ⁽⁵⁾

6. Mary Ann Kerwin (United States)

A co-founder of La Leche League and a staunch policy advocate, Mary Ann Kerwin has been at the forefront of drafting laws that protect a mother’s right to breastfeed in public. Her relentless advocacy helped secure critical state and federal protections that empower nursing parents and combat discrimination. ⁽¹⁾

7. Dr. Sahira Long (United States)

Dr. Sahira Long, a pediatrician of African American and Native American heritage, has dedicated her career to bridging the gap in breastfeeding rates within underserved communities. By developing targeted programs and working to dismantle institutional barriers, she has made significant strides in reducing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. ⁽⁶⁾

8. Dr. Miriam Labbok (United States)

Dr. Miriam Labbok is a revered public health expert whose groundbreaking work with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF helped shape the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). Her research continues to influence international breastfeeding policies, ensuring that hospitals worldwide become sanctuaries for new mothers and their babies. ⁽⁷⁾

9. Jayne Stinson (Australia)

In a historic moment for working mothers, South Australian MP Jayne Stinson became the first politician to breastfeed in state parliament in 2023. Her brave act not only shattered outdated norms but also set a powerful precedent, reminding us that professional spaces must support and normalize the natural act of breastfeeding. ⁽⁸⁾

10. Viola Lennon (United States)

A key architect behind the global expansion of La Leche League, Viola Lennon dedicated herself to spreading breastfeeding education across continents. Her efforts ensured that accurate, empowering information reached families worldwide, bolstering a network of support that continues to thrive today. ⁽¹⁾

The Legacy of Breastfeeding Advocacy

These amazing women, spanning continents and cultures, have transformed the conversation around breastfeeding. Their collective legacy is a testament to the power of grassroots activism, informed medical research, and courageous policy advocacy. They remind us that breastfeeding is not merely a personal choice—it is a public health imperative that demands community support and systemic change.

As we continue to push for maternal rights, equitable healthcare, and robust breastfeeding education, we honor these pioneers who have made history. Their stories inspire future generations to fight for a world where every mother can feed her child with pride, free from judgment or hindrance.

Breastfeeding Success Stories: Overcoming Challenges & Celebrating Everyday Champions

Breastfeeding is often described as one of the most natural ways to nourish an infant, yet the journey is rarely without its challenges. From struggles with latching and milk supply to societal stigmas and systemic barriers, many mothers face hurdles that test their resilience and determination. Despite these challenges, countless women persevere—not only to secure the best nutrition for their babies but also to pave the way for others through their advocacy and community support.

In the next section, we share a collection of heartfelt testimonials from mothers who have navigated the ups and downs of breastfeeding. Their personal stories remind us that every struggle is met with an equal measure of strength and that, with support, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Everyday Breastfeeding Champions

Beyond the intimate, personal struggles, there are everyday women whose actions have had a ripple effect in their communities. Here are three inspiring stories:

Kandace Brown: Challenging the System for Breastfeeding Rights

When Kandace Brown received a jury summons despite her three‐month‐old daughter’s absolute need to nurse—and after being denied a formal exemption—she took a stand. Refusing to compromise on her baby’s right to feed, Brown publicly shared her experience on social media. Her persistence and outspokenness ultimately led the Alabama Supreme Court to issue an administrative order excusing breastfeeding parents from jury duty, sparking broader legislative discussions and inspiring other parents to advocate for their rights. ⁽¹⁷⁾

Tina McDonald: Building Community Through Grassroots Support

In Big Rapids, Michigan, breastfeeding peer counselor Tina McDonald recognized that many new mothers needed both practical advice and emotional support. In 2017, she initiated the Mecosta County Breastfeeding Support Group—a monthly gathering at the local WIC office that not only offers lactation guidance but also hosts swap meets for maternity and baby supplies. McDonald’s efforts have fostered long-lasting friendships and created a community where mothers feel empowered to breastfeed anytime, anywhere, breaking down persistent stigmas. ⁽¹⁸⁾

Elisabeth Anderson Sierra: Donating Abundance for a Greater Good

Not every story of breastfeeding triumph is solely about overcoming difficulties—some transform an extraordinary personal condition into a gift for the community. Elisabeth Anderson Sierra, diagnosed with hyperlactation syndrome, produces nearly 8–10 times the milk of an average mother. Rather than let her surplus go to waste, she has become a remarkable milk donor, holding the Guinness World Record for the largest individual breast milk donation. Her generosity has helped feed thousands of premature babies, demonstrating how an everyday mother’s unique challenge can become a beacon of hope and nourishment for others. ⁽¹⁹⁾

Every Breastfeeding Moment is History in the Making+

You are making history with every feeding. As you read about all the extraordinary women who have fought for breastfeeding rights, pause for a moment. While we celebrate their groundbreaking efforts, remember this: your journey as a breastfeeding mom is part of history, too. Every time you breastfeed, you’re contributing to a global movement that nurtures not only your child but future generations. Whether it’s overcoming challenges or simply feeding your little one with love, you’re defying outdated norms and fostering change. Each feeding is a reminder that history isn’t made only by those with famous names—it's written by you, right now, with every nurturing moment you create.

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Citations

KellyMom. (n.d.). Exclusive Pumping. Retrieved from https://kellymom.com/mother2mother/exclusive-pumping/
IBFAN. (n.d.). International Baby Food Action Network Advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.ibfan.org
Yale School of Public Health. (n.d.). Philippines Senator Serves as Breastfeeding Champion. Retrieved from https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/philippines-senator-serves-as-breastfeeding-champion/
United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). Reflections on Native American Heritage Month: A Conversation with Kimberly Moore-Salas. Retrieved from https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/usbc-news--blogs/reflections-on-native-american-heritage-month-a-conversation-with-kimberly-moore-salas
Seals Allers, K. (n.d.). The Big Letdown: How Medicine, Big Business, and Feminism Undermine Breastfeeding.
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. (n.d.). Addressing Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://www.bfmed.org
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
Adelaide Now. (2023). MP Jayne Stinson Breastfeeds in State Parliament. Retrieved from https://www.adelaidenow.com.au
KellyMom. (n.d.). Exclusive Pumping. Retrieved from https://kellymom.com/mother2mother/exclusive-pumping/
IBFAN. (n.d.). International Baby Food Action Network Advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.ibfan.org
Yale School of Public Health. (n.d.). Philippines Senator Serves as Breastfeeding Champion. Retrieved from https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/philippines-senator-serves-as-breastfeeding-champion/
UNICEF Mexico. (n.d.). Breastfeeding Initiatives in Latin America. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/mexico/en
Seals Allers, K. (n.d.). The Big Letdown: How Medicine, Big Business, and Feminism Undermine Breastfeeding.
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. (n.d.). Addressing Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://www.bfmed.org
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
Adelaide Now. (2023). MP Jayne Stinson Breastfeeds in State Parliament. Retrieved from https://www.adelaidenow.com.au
parents.com
“A Breastfeeding Mom Was Denied an Exemption for Jury Duty to Feed Her Baby—So She Challenged the System.” Parents, published January 27, 2025.
bigrapidsnews.com
“Mecosta County Breastfeeding Support Group Hosting Mom Swap Meet.” Big Rapids News, published January 10, 2025.
en.wikipedia.org

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