The 26th year · National Breastfeeding Week
The Breastfeeding Challenge
Families gathering to be counted breastfeeding together, at sites in their own communities or online.
- October 1–7, 2026
- National Breastfeeding Week
- Any day, any time
- Hosts choose what suits them
- In person or virtual
- Canada and beyond
- 22 sites registered
- Thank you to every host
The 2026 Challenge has taken place
Thank you to every family, host and volunteer who took part in the 26th annual Breastfeeding Challenge. Results will be shared once hosts have sent in their counts.
The Challenge returns every October during National Breastfeeding Week. Check back in the fall to register a site for next year.
About the Challenge
The Breastfeeding Challenge is an annual global event celebrating breastfeeding during National Breastfeeding Week, held across October 1–7. Each site picks its own day and time within that week, and every breastfeeding baby present at the appointed hour is counted. The 2026 event marks the Challenge's 26th year.
The challenge aims to determine which geographic area has the highest percentage of breastfeeding babies relative to birthrate on a selected day in early October. The event works to "celebrate breastfeeding and milk-banking" while providing "education and peer support done in a fun social way."
How It Works
Participants can host challenges at hospitals, health units, or other venues, either in-person or virtually. Every breastfeeding child counts toward final participation numbers.
"Every baby who is breastfed and every mother who breastfeeds wins" — we prioritize support for women's breastfeeding goals over competitive rankings.
Our History
The challenge began in 2001 in British Columbia with 856 babies at 26 sites. By 2016, participation had grown to over 4,000 children across six countries, with continued global expansion.
856 babies, 26 sites (British Columbia)
4,000+ children, 6 countries
26th year, continued global expansion