Promoting Healthy Breastfeeding
The time has come to show our love and support as we celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week from August 25th to 31st. It is dedicated to promoting optimal breastfeeding within the Black communities, while also raising awareness. It addresses the racial disparities and challenges that are faced by Black mothers and their infants after choosing to breastfeed. In this article, we will discuss the theme for Black Breastfeeding week, some barriers Black mothers face, and how you can show your support.
Black Breastfeeding Awareness
Black Breastfeeding Month was created in 2014 by visionaries Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. It brings awareness to the importance of breastfeeding in the Black community while also addressing the challenges that are unique to Black women and their babies. For the mothers who may be feeling uncertain when it comes to breastfeeding, this week is intended to promote discussion and provide you with the support and resources that you need along your journey.
The More You Know
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first 6 months after birth but only 24% of women in Texas are giving their infants only breast milk. Additionally, only 55% of newborns are breastfed during the first 6 months with the breastfeeding rates for Black mothers being the lowest among minority groups. To better understand these ratios, it is vital to be aware of the common barriers within the Black community concerning breastfeeding which include the lack of breastfeeding education resources support (TexasChildrens). It is also very important for us to spark more conversations around these issues, along with the other barriers to healthy breastfeeding that are experienced by Black mothers and families.
Breaking Barriers a Generation At a Time
Although there are multiple barriers that are unique to Black women when it comes to breastfeeding, we know that not all of them apply to every mother and that every mother is unique in her journey. Every mother has a story that needs to be told. With that in mind, this year’s theme for Black Breastfeeding Week is “Listen Up! Reclaiming Our Narrative & Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice.” This theme is about how the power of storytelling can uplift Black voices to bring forth change. By telling these stories, we can celebrate their journeys while breaking systemic barriers, one generation at a time.
We hope you can show support. Feel free to start a conversation or share on social media including hashtag #blackbreastfeedingweek. You can also visit the official website at blackbreastfeedingweek.org and donate to the Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association.
Final Thoughts
During Black Breastfeeding Week we honor and recognize the strength and resilience of Black mothers who wish to share their stories to further bring awareness and empowerment to their community. Last year our theme was “We Outside!: Celebrating Connection & Our Communities” and this year’s theme was about reclaiming the narrative and shedding light on the stories and experiences of Black mothers. By promoting Black Breastfeeding Week, we can foster a more supportive environment for Black mothers and a more equitable future. We hope you have found this article informative, please don’t forget to share.
Sources
Crumpler, Rachel. “Black Mothers Face Disproportionate Barriers to Breastfeeding.” North Carolina Health News, 13 Sept. 2022, www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2022/08/25/black-mothers-face-disproportionate-barriers-to-breastfeeding/.
“Infant Mortality and African Americans.” Office of Minority Health, minorityhealth.hhs.gov/infant-mortality-and-african-americans. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Wellness, and Tch-Main. “Celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week.” Texas Children’s, www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/celebrating-black-breastfeeding-week. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Parkes, Kathy. “Celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week.” Breastfeeding Perspectives, 19 Aug. 2023, www.breastfeedingperspectives.com/celebrating-black-breastfeeding-week/.
