Black Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 25 to 31, is a vital part of National Breastfeeding Month. This week was created to address the unique cultural barriers and health disparities faced by Black mothers and to promote breastfeeding within Black communities. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Black Breastfeeding Week, the benefits of breastfeeding, and the resources available to support Black breastfeeding mothers.
The Significance of Black Breastfeeding Week
Black Breastfeeding Week was established in 2013 by three breastfeeding advocates—Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka—to address the racial disparities in breastfeeding rates and support. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Black infants are less likely to be breastfed than their White counterparts, with only 74% of Black infants ever being breastfed compared to 86% of White infants (CDC, 2021). This disparity can have long-term health implications for Black children and their families.
The goals of Black Breastfeeding Week include:
Raising Awareness: Highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding and the challenges Black mothers face.
Building Community: Creating spaces for Black mothers to share their breastfeeding experiences and support one another.
Advocacy: Promoting policies and practices that support breastfeeding in Black communities.
Celebration: Celebrating the resilience and strength of Black mothers who choose to breastfeed.
Challenges Faced by Black Breastfeeding Mothers
Black breastfeeding mothers often face unique challenges that can hinder their ability to breastfeed successfully. These challenges include:
Historical Trauma: The legacy of slavery, segregation, and medical mistrust has disrupted traditional breastfeeding practices and undermined the health and well-being of Black communities (Asiodu et al., 2017).
Healthcare Access: Limited access to culturally competent healthcare services can make it difficult for Black mothers to receive the support they need for breastfeeding (Peters et al., 2020).
Socioeconomic Barriers: High rates of poverty, food insecurity, and inadequate housing can create additional stressors for Black breastfeeding mothers, impacting their ability to maintain breastfeeding (Griffin et al., 2019).
Supporting Black Breastfeeding Mothers
Culturally Competent Healthcare: Healthcare providers must offer culturally competent and respectful care to Black breastfeeding mothers. This includes understanding the cultural contexts of breastfeeding in Black communities and integrating traditional knowledge and practices into healthcare services (Peters et al., 2020).
Community Support: Community-based programs and initiatives promoting breastfeeding within Black communities can play a crucial role in supporting Black mothers. These programs should be led by individuals from the community and grounded in Black knowledge and values (Asiodu et al., 2017).
Education and Advocacy: Raising awareness about the importance of breastfeeding in Black communities and advocating for policies that support breastfeeding can help to create a more supportive environment for Black mothers. This includes advocating for improved access to breastfeeding support services and addressing the social determinants of health that impact Black communities (Griffin et al., 2019).
Resources for Black Breastfeeding Mothers
Black Breastfeeding Week is a vital opportunity to celebrate and support the breastfeeding journeys of Black mothers. By recognizing the cultural significance of breastfeeding, addressing the unique challenges faced by Black mothers, and promoting culturally competent healthcare practices, we can help to ensure that Black mothers receive the support they need to breastfeed successfully. Let’s use this week to honor Black breastfeeding traditions and empower Black mothers to embrace and celebrate their breastfeeding practices.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. For more information on breastfeeding and support, please visit reputable sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Office on Women’s Health.
References
Asiodu, I. V., Waters, C. M., Dailey, D. E., & Lyndon, A. (2017). Infant feeding decision-making and the influences of social support persons among first-time African American mothers. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 21(4), 863-872. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-016-2167-5
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Breastfeeding Report Card. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm
Griffin, M. J., Logan, R. G., & Davis, J. M. (2019). Social determinants of health and health disparities among African American mothers who breastfeed. Journal of Human Lactation, 35(4), 660-668. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334419869533
Oddy, W. H. (2017). Breastfeeding, childhood asthma, and allergic disease. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 70(2), 26-36. https://doi.org/10.1159/000457920
Peters, R. M., Shulman, H. B., Johnson, S. R., McDonald, J. A., & D'Angelo, D. V. (2020). Racial/ethnic differences in breastfeeding initiation and continuation in the United States. Journal of Women's Health, 29(6), 796-804. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2019.7818
Rollins, N. C., Bhandari, N., Hajeebhoy, N., Horton, S., Lutter, C. K., Martines, J. C., ... & Victora, C. G. (2016). Why invest, and what it will take to improve breastfeeding practices? The Lancet, 387(10017), 491-504. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01044-2
Victora, C. G., Bahl, R., Barros, A. J., França, G. V., Horton, S., Krasevec, J., ... & Rollins, N. C. (2016). Breastfeeding in the 21st century: Epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. The Lancet, 387(10017), 475-490. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01024-7
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