IN THIS ARTICLE
We all know that a mother’s milk is like no other. “Breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers. It is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby,” said Dr. Ruth Peterson, director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.
Breastfeeding takes a mother’s willingness and a supportive healthcare community to make breastfeeding successful.
Yet for those reasons, black mothers have had the lowest rate of breastfeeding at 69. 4 percent as opposed to 83.2 percent of all women. And with August being National Breastfeeding Month, it is time to give our attention to Black Breastfeeding Week, August 25th to August 31st, and generate an awareness of what is happening in the Black community.
So, to all of the Black mothers out there — we are here for you. And, as a black mother myself, let me tell you that there are breastfeeding resources ready for you.
Black Breastfeeding Week: Why the need?
Black women have had an unfortunate history with healthcare. From being experimented on without their consent, to being denied access altogether, healthcare for many black mothers has been more like being in an abusive relationship rather than a loving and steady marriage.
According to the ACLU, Black mothers struggle with breastfeeding as a result of myriad factors:
- A lack of access to healthcare.
Black women are more likely to be employed in jobs that do not provide adequate healthcare, or if healthcare is provided, the required maternity leave period is not encouraged by the employer. - A lack of financial flexibility prevents black mothers to take maternity leave.
With 70.7 percent of Black women being the head of the household, this forces a quicker return to work. - An absence of baby-friendly hospitals.
In communities where the Black population is the majority, the number of hospitals that promote formula use is more prominent. - A history of the black female body being over-sexualized.
Throughout history, the black female body has been eroticized and exploited which created the persistent “loose woman” stereotype. - A rooted association between breastfeeding and slavery times.
Black wet nurses for white babies was a common practice during slavery. Breastfeeding was seen as an unworthy act.
In opposition to these stigmas and realities associated with black mothers and breastfeeding, there are healthcare workers ready to support black mothers: The National Black Doulas Association, The American College of Nurse-Midwives, and The Lactation Network are just a few healthcare providers that want to see those disparities disappear.
Your village is here: Black mom support online
Moms do need a village. It doesn’t matter if it is a village one other supportive person or more. Mothers need support.
“My family was not 100% on board. They believed I didn’t eat healthy enough to be able to give the baby what she needed,” shared mom Ayesha Velazquez previously to Mom.com.
A lack of family support is not the end, there are mamas out there ready to be the village that you need. Here are online communities that will encourage you and help you breastfeed your baby:
1. Black Moms Breastfeeding Support Group: This is a Facebook community that screams support as members not only give advice but will use research to help support their opinion.
2. Black Exclusively Pumping Mamas: Black Pumping Mamas has under 5,000 members, and the intimacy will bring you comfort and help you navigate one of the most difficult tasks of motherhood.
3. Normalize Breastfeeding: Candid portraits of real breastfeeding mothers are displayed in this Facebook community. The shots bring you into their world and let you know that you are not alone.
4. Black Women Do Breastfeed: Nicole Sandiford founded this blog in order to dispel the myth that breastfeeding does not happen in the Black community. Her Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts make connecting with other moms extremely accessible.
5. Black Moms Breastfeed: This Instagram account works hard at celebrating breastfeeding among Black mamas. Mothers can share their pictures with her and the founder, Shantae, is a registered nurse who will share her expertise on the topics.
Advocates for breastfeeding: Non-profits that support Black moms
When support lacks, there are advocates waiting to fill the gap.
6. Black Mother’s Breastfeeding Association: BMBA is a Detriot-based organization that has a great online presence and is an immense help to their immediate community of Black mothers.
7. Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere: ROSE is based out of Lithonia, Georgia, and works around the clock to decrease the gap between Black breastfeeding mothers and their counterparts.
8. Northeast Birthing Project: This Mississippi-based organization has been thriving in northern Mississippi and has built a support system for mothers in the South. Expecting Black families are given a consultation and can learn what support they can gain from a doula.
9. Southern Birth Justice Now: SBJN brings midwifery care to the forefront and guides BIPOC communities on birthing practices and post-partum care.
10. African American Breastfeeding Network: AABN is a Wisconsin-based non-profit that advocates for black mothers and celebrates the breastfeeding happening within the community.
11. Soulfood For Your Baby: SFYB is based in Los Angeles. Throughout the year, the organization holds meet-ups and conducts community outreach to help black mothers breastfeed.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
